List of Native American musicians facts for kids
This page lists amazing Native American musicians and singers. These talented artists come from different Indigenous groups across the United States. This includes Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native Americans in the United States.
Being Native American can mean different things. The Bureau of Indian Affairs says it means having American Indian or Alaska Native family. Legally, it often means being a member of a federally recognized tribe or Alaskan village. Also, things like culture, history, language, and family ties help define Native American identity.
Everyone on this list has proven Native American heritage. We make sure their connection to a tribe is clear. For older historical figures, their tribal membership is based on their culture and history. For artists today, they are usually members of a federally recognized tribe. Some may have Native American family and are recognized by their tribes.
For Indigenous musicians from Canada, check out List of Indigenous musicians in Canada.
Contents
Classical Music Artists
Classical music is a type of music that often uses instruments like violins, pianos, and flutes. These artists create beautiful and complex pieces.
- Steven Alvarez (composer, percussionist, film & stage producer) (Yaqui/Mescalero Apache/Upper Tanana Athabascan)
- Timothy Archambault (composer and flutist) (Kichesipirini Algonquin First Nation)
- Dawn Avery (Mohawk), composer, cellist, vocalist, educator
- Louis W. Ballard (Quapaw/Cherokee), known as a "father of Native American composition"
- Raven Chacon (Navajo), composer and visual artist
- Atalie Unkalunt (Cherokee, 1895-1954), opera and Indianist singer
Country and Folk Music
Country and folk music often tell stories through songs. They use instruments like guitars and banjos.
- Joanne Shenandoah (Oneida Indian Nation, 1957–2021)
- Buddy Red Bow (Lakota)
Gospel Music Singers
Gospel music is a type of music that often has spiritual or religious themes.
- Johnny P. Curtis (San Carlos Apache)
- Klaudt Indian Family (Lillian White Corn Little Soldier, Arikara-Mandan)
Jazz Music Artists
Jazz music is known for its lively rhythms and improvisation. Musicians often make up parts of the music as they play.
- Mildred Bailey (jazz singer) (Coeur d'Alene)
- Jim Pepper (Muscogee/Kaw)
- Big Chief Russell Moore (Pima, 1912–1983)
Native American Flute Players
The Native American flute is a special instrument with a unique, calming sound. Many artists play this traditional instrument.
- Robert Tree Cody (Hunkpapa/Maricopa)
- Brent Michael Davids, (Stockbridge Mohican) composer and flutist
- Joseph FireCrow (Northern Cheyenne)
- Charles Littleleaf (Warm Springs/Blackfoot)
- Kevin Locke (Lakota)
- Tom Mauchahty-Ware (Kiowa/Comanche)
- Bill Miller (Mahican)
- Robert Mirabal (Taos Pueblo)
- R. Carlos Nakai (Navajo/Ute)
- Sonny Nevaquaya (Comanche)
- Andrew Vasquez (Kiowa Apache)
- Tommy Wildcat (Cherokee Nation/Muscogee/Natchez)
- Mary Youngblood (Aleut/Seminole)
Native American Protest Singers
These singers use their music to speak out about important issues. They often sing about justice and Native American rights.
- Floyd Red Crow Westerman (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate)
- John Trudell (Santee Dakota)
New Age and World Music
New age and world music often blend different sounds and cultures. They can be very relaxing or inspiring.
- Brulé (Sioux)
- Joanne Shenandoah (Oneida Indian Nation, 1957–2021)
- Verdell Primeaux and Johnny Mike (Oglala/Yankton/Ponca/Navajo)
Pop and Rock Music
Pop and rock music are popular styles with strong beats and catchy tunes.
- Chuck Billy of Testament (Pomo)
- Jimmy Carl Black (Southern Cheyenne descent)
- Blackbraid
- Blackfire (Navajo)
- Blackfoot
- Jim Boyd (Colville)
- Jesse Ed Davis (Comanche/Kiowa/Muscogee/Seminole)
- Willy DeVille (Pequot)
- Gary Duncan of Quicksilver Messenger Service (Skidi Pawnee)
- Nokie Edwards (Cherokee)
- Joy Harjo and Poetic Justice (Mvskoke)
- Indigenous (Nakota)
- Debora Iyall of Romeo Void (Cowlitz)
- Jana (Lumbee)
- Grant-Lee Phillips (Muscogee (Creek)), Red Earth
- Redbone, members are mostly Yaqui/Shoshone descent
- Keith Secola (Bois Forte Chippewa)
- John Trudell (Santee Dakota)
- XIT, members are Colville, Isleta Pueblo, Diné, and Muscogee Creek
- Spencer Battiest (Seminole/Choctaw)
- Sky Ferreira (Chippewa Cree)
- Samantha Crain (Choctaw Nation)
- Black Belt Eagle Scout (Swinomish/Iñupiaq)
- Quinn Christopherson (Alaskan Athabaskan/Iñupiaq)
Rap and Hip Hop Artists
Rap and hip hop music feature rhythmic speaking and strong beats.
- Jaynez (Navajo)
- Julian B. (Muscogee)
- Lil Mike and Funny Bone (both Pawnee/Choctaw)
- Litefoot (Cherokee Nation/Chichimeca)
- Supaman (Apsáalooke)
- Frank Waln (Sicangu Lakota)
Powwow Music Groups
Powwow music is traditional music played at powwows. These are gatherings where Native American people celebrate their culture.
See also
- Native American composers