Mike Mills

Michael Edward Mills (born December 17, 1958) is an American multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer. He is best known as a founding member of the alternative rock band R.E.M. Mills played bass guitar, keyboards, and provided backing vocals for the band. He also contributed to a majority of the band's musical compositions and is the only member to have received formal musical training. Born in Orange County, California, Mills moved to Macon, Georgia, at a young age. He attended the University of Georgia in Athens, where R.E.M. was formed. Mills' talent as a composer played a significant role in shaping R.E.M.'s sound and success.