john michael stipe (born january 4, 1960) is an american singer-songwriter. he is best known as the lead singer of the alternative rock band r.e.m. from 1980 until their split in 2011. the band was very popular, and won many awards, including three grammy awards, two billboard music awards, 12 mtv video music awards and three brit awards. as a member of r.e.m., he was added into the rock and roll hall of fame in 2007. as a singer-songwriter, he has had a creative effect on many artists, including kurt cobain of nirvana and thom yorke of radiohead.