Larin Michaels Breaks Out Solo with Soul-Stirring Blues-Rock Single ‘Love Straight From the Heart’

Following a celebrated career performing alongside music royalty, renowned multi-instrumentalist and musical polymath Larin Michaels steps into the solo spotlight with his latest single, Love Straight From the Heart. A gritty, emotionally charged blues-rock fizzer, the track marks the first taste of his highly anticipated solo album—and it’s everything fans of classic rock and deep blues have been waiting for.

The single showcases Michaels’ unmatched versatility and craftsmanship, with every note, riff, and beat performed by the man himself. From the soulful sway of the guitar to the driving rhythm section and the subtle, emotive flourishes of saxophone and harmonica, Love Straight From the Heart is a masterclass in musical storytelling and raw authenticity.

Michaels is no stranger to the spotlight—or the studio. His extensive résumé reads like a walk through music history. He’s played live and recorded with legendary acts such as Del Shannon, Freddy Cannon, Gino Washington, Frijid Pink, and Willie Tyler and Lester, while his studio credits include jingle work for Coca-Cola, Ford, and the Detroit Red Wings. From commercial composition to stage command, Michaels has done it all.

Raised in the heart of Motown, Michaels’ musical journey began early, starting on drums at age seven before quickly expanding his arsenal to include guitar, piano, and a staggering range of instruments—from lap steel and bass pedals to valve trombone and banjo. By fifteen, he co-founded the band The Noblemen with Mario Bee, gaining radio and television exposure across the Midwest.

In the 1970s, Michaels took his talents international as musical director and performer for the European production Hair and Now. Upon returning to the U.S., he entrenched himself further in the music world, building a dynamic career as a performer, writer, arranger, and producer. His work with Frijid Pink on the 2006 album Back Again saw him contributing keyboards, vocals, and arrangements—further proof of his studio prowess.

Michaels’ musical past is dotted with collaborations and performances alongside an iconic lineup: Bob Seger, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Grand Funk Railroad, Rare Earth, The Four Tops, and Kid Rock, to name just a few. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, he’s left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Now, with Love Straight From the Heart, Michaels is distilling a lifetime of experience into a sound that’s as soulful as it is electrifying. The track is a raw, honest reflection of a musician who’s lived the highs and lows of the industry and come out with something powerful to say.

The single is just the beginning. His upcoming album promises a deep dive into Michaels’ signature blend of blues, rock, and soul—each track a tribute to his musical roots and evolution.

For fans of authentic, no-frills blues-rock with heart and heritage, Love Straight From the Heart is an essential listen: