Michael John Murphy

Michael John Murphy is a folk musician based in Omaha, Nebraska. He plays various instruments, including the guitar, piano, and Native American flute. He has been a singer songwriter based out of Omaha since the 1970s.

Not to be confused with Michael Martin Murphey.

Music

His lyrics are often socially conscious or spiritual, and he uses personal stories and anecdotes in his shows.[1] He has been writing songs since the 1970s, as noted by the lyrics to song, Liquor Stores, which begins: "I was working at a liquor store in July of '73". He started playing the Native American Flute in about 1983 after his mother, who had Native American ancestors, died.[2]

Production and studio work

Murphy has worked with a number of other well known musicians, including Brulé, Mark Holland, The Young Bucks, and Duane Martin, Sr.. Murphy helped produce and does the instrumentation on Martin's 2010 project, Cante Tenza Olowan – Song for the Strong Heart .

Activism

Michael has been involved with the Whiteclay Advisory Committee, a group of activists concerned about alcoholism on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and about the sale of alcohol on the border of the reservation in the town of Whiteclay, Nebraska.[3] Along with Canupa Gluha Mani, he performed and produced the music for The Battle for Whiteclay, a documentary about the Whiteclay issue.[4] Murphy has been featured at the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, the Avoca Iowa Folk Festival, and the Lincoln Plainsong Festival.[5] He frequently works with Winnebago leader, Frank LaMere, on the Whiteclay issue and in 2015 recorded a song with LaMere about Whiteclay and Pine Ridge.[6]

Music education

He has taught Native American flute at clinics and colleges in the midwest, especially the Omaha Metropolitan Community College and the Nebraska Indian Community College and St. Augustine Mission in Macy, Nebraska.[7] Murphy is a member of the Nebraska Arts Council[8] and the International Native American Flute Association. He has also taught workshops in flute decoration.[9]


Discography
  • Secret Thoughts (1996)
  • The Second (1998)
  • Sacred Hearts (2002)
  • Trail of Tears (2003)
  • Peace (2004)
  • Honor Songs of the Great White Father (2006)

See also

References
  1. Schuller, Lisa Local Catholics use Music to Praise, Inspire, The Catholic Voice, Omaha, Nebraska (October 25, 2002)
  2. Murphy's history with the flute and his heritage are discussed in: "Folk flutes encourage understanding". Beatrice Daily Sun. August 4, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2016. and: "Learn about the Native American flute from Michael Murphy". Omaha Creative Institute. 2010. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  3. Vogel, Brandon (2010). "Concert aims to pressure state to take responsibility, change ugly story". The Reader. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  4. Vasina, Mark (2010). "The Battle for Whiteclay". The Reader. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  5. "Folk flutes encourage understanding". Beatrice Daily Sun. August 4, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  6. Kevin Abourezk (December 11, 2015). "Activist hopes Whiteclay song can elevate discussion". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  7. "Encounter Center showcases songs, prayers". Sioux City Journal. 2011. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  8. Kerri Rempp (May 24, 2016). "FTD announces Siebert appearance". Chadron Record. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  9. Emily Hemphill (August 27, 2014). "The Red Tails have arrived". Beatrice Daily Sun. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
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