Raymond Carlos Nakai is a Native American flutist of Navajo and Ute heritage. Nakai played brass instruments in high school and college, and auditioned for the Armed Forces School of Music after a two-year period in the United States Navy. He began playing a traditional Native American cedar flute after an accident left him unable to play the trumpet. Largely self-taught, he released his first album Changes in 1983, and afterward signed a contract with Canyon Records, who produced more than thirty of his albums in subsequent years. His music features original compositions for the flute inspired by traditional Native American melodies. Nakai has collaborated with musicians William Eaton, Peter Kater, Philip Glass, Nawang Khechog, Paul Horn, and Keola Beamer. He has received 11 Grammy Award nominations for his albums.
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R. Carlos Nakai, American flute player
On April 16, in the year 1946, R. Carlos Nakai, American flute player. This event is recorded as a Notable Births event in the history of April 16, one of 433 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including R. Carlos Nakai. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on April 16, 1946 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Births event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 16 April 2026.
On This Date in History 433
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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