R. Carlos Nakai, born on April 16, 1946, in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a distinguished Native American flutist of Navajo and Ute heritage. Initially trained in brass instruments, Nakai's musical path shifted after an accident led him to the traditional cedar flute. Largely self-taught, he released his debut album, "Changes," in 1983, marking the beginning of a prolific career with over 30 albums under Canyon Records. Nakai's evocative compositions blend traditional melodies with contemporary influences, earning him 11 Grammy Award nominations. His collaborations span genres and include artists like William Eaton, Peter Kater, and Philip Glass, solidifying his role in bringing Native American flute music to a global audience. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._Carlos_Nakai?utm_source=openai))