Born(January 6, 1962 - August 10, 2002)in Boone, North Carolina, Houser became a founding member of Widespread Panic in 1982 while attending the University of Georgia with John Bell. His distinctive playing style was featured on the band's first seven studio albums and is responsible for the band's moniker: "an honest tune with a lingering lead". Panic's large lineup released Houser from rythym guitar duties, and allowed him to play lead melodies that lingered behind the dominant vocal melodies.

Read more about Michael Houser on Last.fm.