Robert Tree Cody facts for kids

Robert Tree Cody (born April 20, 1951 – died September 14, 2023) was an American musician, dancer, and teacher. He finished high school at John Marshall High School in 1969. Robert was the adopted son of the famous Hollywood actor Iron Eyes Cody.

About Robert Tree Cody's Life

Robert Tree Cody was adopted by actor Iron Eyes Cody and his wife, Bertha Parker. Bertha was a helper in archaeology at the Southwest Museum of the American Indian. Robert and his brother Arthur were adopted by them. Arthur served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and passed away later.

Robert and Arthur had Dakota and Maricopa family roots. Robert was an official member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. In the Maricopa language, his traditional name was Oou Kas Mah Quet. This name means "Thunder Bear."

Robert used to live in Big Bear, California. Later, he lived in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, with his wife, Rachel. People called him "Tree" because he was very tall, about six feet nine and a half inches! In 2009, Robert talked about his father in a Canadian movie called Reel Injun.

Robert Cody passed away on September 14, 2023, when he was 72 years old.

Robert Tree Cody: Musician and Performer

Robert Cody played the Native American flute. He released eleven music albums with Canyon Records. He traveled and performed in North and South America, Europe, and East Asia. He played the traditional carved wooden flute on some songs for The Rippingtons' 1999 album, Topaz.

Cody was a special flute player on a PBS TV show called Reading Rainbow. He was in an episode called "The Gift of the Sacred Dog." This episode was filmed on June 17, 1983, at the Crow Agency reservation in Montana. He also performed with Xavier Quijas Yxayotl (Huichol) from Guadalajara. They made a new age album together in 2000 called Crossroads. He also appeared in the 5th and 6th seasons of the TV show Longmire. In one episode, he was a singer in a special scene.

In the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, Cody traveled a lot as a dancer. He performed at many pow-wows, which are Native American gatherings.

In November 2022, Robert Tree Cody received a Lifetime Achievement Award. This award was given at the Native American Music Awards. He could not attend the event because he was not feeling well.

Tree had won many awards from the Native American Music Awards before. He won for his albums like "Native Flamenco" (with Tony Redhouse and Ruben Romero) and "Maze" (released in 2002). He also won for "Crossroads" with Xavier Quijas Yxayotl. Another award was for his work with Janice Marie Johnson on her song "Until The Eagle Falls." He was also nominated for a GRAMMY Award in 2007 for his album "Heart of the Wind" with Will Clipman.