Rolling Thunder (person) facts for kids

Rolling Thunder (also known as John Pope) was a respected Native American spiritual leader and healer. He was born in 1916 and passed away in 1997. Rolling Thunder grew up in Oklahoma before moving to Nevada. He was known for sharing traditional Native American wisdom.

Who Was Rolling Thunder?

Early Life and Teachings

Rolling Thunder, whose birth name was John Pope, was born in 1916 in Stamps, Arkansas. He spent his childhood in Oklahoma. Later in his life, he moved to Nevada. He became known as a medicine man, which is a traditional healer and spiritual leader in many Native American cultures. These leaders often use ancient wisdom and ceremonies to help people.

Later Life and Passing

Rolling Thunder passed away in 1997 in Elko, Nevada. He had health challenges in his later years, including diabetes and a lung condition called emphysema.

His Legacy

Meta Tantay Community

In 1975, Rolling Thunder and his wife, Spotted Fawn, started a special community. It was a non-profit place called Meta Tantay. This community was located on about 262 acres (1.06 square kilometers) of land in north-eastern Nevada, near the town of Carlin.

Meta Tantay was a place where people could visit and learn. It operated for about ten years, closing in 1985. Many different people visited the community over the years. One famous visitor was Mickey Hart, a drummer from the well-known band Grateful Dead.

Works by or About Rolling Thunder

Music and Audio

• Rolling Thunder – This is a music album by Mickey Hart, released in 1972.
• Rolling Thunder Speaks: the Owyhee Confrontation – An audio book featuring Rolling Thunder.
• From Alcatraz to Chicago – Another audio book, with John Trudell and Michael Chosa.

Films

• The Trial of Billy Jack (1971) – Rolling Thunder appeared in this movie.
• Rolling Thunder: Healer of Meta Tantay – A documentary about his life and the Meta Tantay community. This film was released on DVD in 2005.