Wayne Kramer is an unlikely hero, because in his early adulthood he was a literal criminal: a member of the radical leftist anti-racism group the White Panthers who were plotting to overthrow the establishment, a burglar and thief, a drug addict, and eventually an inmate at Lexington federal prison. He eventually became clean and sober, rejuvenated his music career, and has dedicated much of his to charity. 

What makes him a hero to me, though, is not what changed in his life but what stayed the same.  Throughout his life, on either side of the law, he has lived true to a consistent set of values. He believes musicians should be paid what they're worth. He believes that society should support, not punish, people addicted to opiate drugs. He has dedicated himself to the charity Jail Guitar Doors, which provides instruments and lessons to prisoners, because music gave his life purpose and he wants to give others access.  As I listened to him tell his life story, his confidence in his values and the consistency with which he has lived by them came through with the same energy that the MC5 used to have onstage.