Rolling Thunder (person) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rolling Thunder
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|---|---|
| Born |
John Pope
September 10, 1916 Stamps, Arkansas, US
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| Died | January 23, 1997 (aged 80) Elko, Nevada, US
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| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Spiritual teacher |
| Spouse(s) |
Spotted Fawn
(died 1984)Carmen Sun Rising
(after 1984) |
| Children |
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Rolling Thunder (born John Pope; September 10, 1916 – January 23, 1997) was an American man who became known as a spiritual teacher. He identified himself as a Native American medicine man. A medicine man is a traditional healer and spiritual guide in some Native American cultures. He was born in Stamps, Arkansas, and grew up in Oklahoma.
Life and Teachings
Rolling Thunder became popular during the 1960s and 1970s. This was a time when many young people, sometimes called hippies, were exploring different spiritual beliefs. Rolling Thunder's teachings attracted many followers.
However, there has been some debate about his background. Some experts and Native American leaders have questioned whether his teachings were truly based on the traditions he claimed to represent. This has led to discussions about who has the right to teach Native American spirituality.
In his later years, Rolling Thunder lived in Nevada. He passed away in 1997 at the age of 80 from health issues related to diabetes. He also had emphysema, a condition that affects breathing.
Meta Tantay Community
In 1975, Rolling Thunder and his wife, Spotted Fawn, founded a community called Meta Tantay. It was located on 262 acres (1.06 km2) of land in northeastern Nevada, near the town of Carlin.
Meta Tantay was a place where people could come to live and learn about his spiritual ideas. The community operated for ten years, closing in 1985. Over the years, it had many visitors, including famous people like Mickey Hart, a drummer for the well-known rock band the Grateful Dead.
Works and Media Appearances
Rolling Thunder's voice and story were featured in several recordings and a film.
Audio Recordings
- Rolling Thunder – An album by Mickey Hart (1972) that featured him.
- Rolling Thunder Speaks: the Owyhee Confrontation (Audio Book)
- From Alcatraz to Chicago - with John Trudell and Michael Chosa (Audio Book)
Film
- The Trial of Billy Jack (1971) - He appeared in this movie.
- Rolling Thunder: Healer of Meta Tantay – A documentary about him released on DVD in 2005.
