Considered the world’s premier Native American flutist, RC holds the distinction of being the only American Native performer performing in the Indigenous genre to have a Platinum Record-Canyon Trilogy- with over one million sold. He serves as an effective ambassador in reaching new concert audiences consistently drawing capacity or near capacity houses. RC has a successful career in many genres of music. He is an eleven-time Grammy® nominee who has many fans who follow him into the concert hall. Nakai’s recordings have reached listeners worldwide and have been used in films, documentaries, and therapeutic contexts.
RC’s approach to the Native American flute is both innovative and respectful. Rather than simply replicating traditional songs, he has expanded the instrument’s expressive possibilities. Through new fingering techniques, extended melodies, and harmonics, he blends the flute’s haunting tones with elements of jazz, classical, and world music. He also composes original works for flute integrating influences from his heritage with contemporary sensibilities. His music carries a universal message of peace, healing, and connection to the land. Through his music and public work, he urges others to recognize the wisdom embedded in Indigenous traditions.
