The music world has lost a singular talent with the passing of Marcie Free at the age of 71. The powerhouse vocalist, best known for her work with the bands King Kobra and Unruly Child, left an indelible mark on the melodic rock scene with a voice that was both technically stunning and deeply emotive. Her death was confirmed by her longtime friend and Unruly Child bandmate, drummer Jay Schellen, who remembered her as “a marvel to behold” and “one of the most open and beautiful souls I have ever known.”
Free’s career began under her birth name, Mark Free, when she was just 19. After moving to Los Angeles, she found her footing in the vibrant 1980s rock scene. Her big break came in 1983 when she teamed up with renowned drummer Carmine Appice to form King Kobra. Signed to Capitol Records, the band released albums like “Ready to Strike,” which showcased Free’s incredible vocal range and power, establishing her as one of the most distinctive singers in the genre.
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After King Kobra and a stint with the band Signal, Free found her true creative home with Unruly Child. The band’s 1992 self-titled debut album is still considered a masterpiece among fans of melodic rock. However, at the peak of this creative success, Free made a profound and life-changing decision. In 1993, she came out as transgender, embracing her true identity as Marcie Michelle Free.
This courageous step, while personally liberating, came at a high professional cost. Free later revealed that she was largely shunned by the music industry, and the momentum of her career stalled dramatically. She described her transition as a decision “between life and death,” stating that living as her authentic self was a matter of survival. She stepped away from music for a time, battled alcoholism, and eventually found sobriety through her faith.
In a triumphant return, Free reunited with Unruly Child in 2009, releasing several acclaimed albums and reclaiming her place on stage. Her journey—from rock frontman to transgender icon—made her a quiet legend. Her legacy is not only one of unparalleled vocal talent but also of immense personal courage, reminding us that the most powerful music comes from a place of unwavering authenticity.
