Michael Stipe is an American singer, songwriter, musician, film producer, music video director, and visual artist. He is the acknowledged forefather of the alternative rock movement and one of popular music's most respected figures. As the frontman for R.E.M., Stipe was a key member of the influential American postpunk rock band. Outside of R.E.M., Stipe has collaborated with various artists and released solo work. He has released songs with Big Red Machine and Lonnie Holley, and contributed the solo song Sunday Morning to the album I’ll Be Your Mirror: A Tribute to The Velvet Underground & Nico. He has also appeared in the documentaries CREEM: America's Only Rock 'n' Roll Magazine, Michael Moore's Slacker Uprising, and the film Sesame Street: Elmo Loves You!.