R. Carlos Nakai (born April 16, 1946) is a renowned Native American flautist of Navajo and Ute heritage. He is celebrated for blending traditional indigenous music with modern genres like classical, jazz, and world music. Since the 1980s, Nakai has released over 40 albums, selling more than 4 million copies. He is a key figure in the revival of the Native American flute, earning Grammy nominations and numerous cultural awards. His music is widely used in meditation, healing, and film scores, leaving a lasting impact on global audiences.