Michael Been (March 17, 1950 – August 19, 2010) was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was widely recognized as the lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the critically acclaimed rock band The Call. His distinctive baritone voice, profound lyrical depth, and blend of rock, folk, and new wave influences became the defining characteristics of his music.
Early Life and Formation of The Call Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Been's musical journey began in California. He co-founded The Call in Santa Cruz, California, in 1980, alongside guitarist Tom Ferrier, bassist Billy Dykus, and drummer Scott Musick. The band quickly garnered attention for their intense live performances and Been's compelling songwriting, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1982.
Career with The Call Throughout their career, The Call released eight studio albums. Notable works include Modern Romans (1983), Reconciled (1986), and Let the Day Begin (1989). The title track from Let the Day Begin became the band's most commercially successful single, reaching number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Another enduring song, "I Still Believe (Great Design)" from Reconciled, gained further recognition through covers and its inclusion in popular culture. The band's music was often characterized by its exploration of spiritual themes, social commentary, and deeply personal introspection, earning them admiration from peers such as U2's Bono and Peter Gabriel, with whom they also toured.
Solo Work and Other Projects Beyond The Call, Been pursued various other projects. He released a solo album titled On the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough in 1994. He also contributed as a record producer for other artists, including Sam Phillips. Additionally, Been ventured into acting, appearing as the apostle John in Martin Scorsese's 1988 film The Last Temptation of Christ.
Later Years and Legacy In his later career, Michael Been played a significant role in the band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC), which features his son, Robert Levon Been. He served as a sound engineer and mentor for BRMC, often touring with them.
Michael Been passed away on August 19, 2010, at the age of 60, after suffering a heart attack backstage at the Pukkelpop festival in Hasselt, Belgium, where he was on tour with BRMC. His death was met with widespread mourning, and his legacy endures through his influential songwriting and the profound emotional impact of his work with The Call.