Shingoose facts for kids
Curtis Jonnie (born October 26, 1946 – died January 12, 2021) was an Ojibwe singer and songwriter from Canada. He was better known by his stage name, Shingoose. He played in Roy Buchanan's band early in his career. Shingoose also recorded with Bruce Cockburn on his first album, Native Country. He was honored by being inducted into the Manitoba Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Shingoose was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on October 26, 1946. He was a member of the Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation. When he was four years old, he was adopted by a Mennonite family in Steinbach. This happened as part of the Sixties Scoop, a time when many Indigenous children were adopted into non-Indigenous homes.
While growing up in Steinbach, he became friends with Patrick Friesen. Patrick later became a well-known poet. Shingoose started singing in church choirs. At age 15, he moved to the United States and joined the Boystown Concert Choir in Nebraska. In the late 1960s and 1970s, he performed with rock and rhythm and blues bands. He played in cities like Washington, D.C. and New York City. He even spent some time playing in Roy Buchanan's band.
Music Career and Activism
Shingoose returned to Winnipeg in 1973. He was inspired by the American Indian Movement, which worked for the rights of Indigenous people. He began performing as a singer-songwriter. He chose his great-grandfather's name, Shingoose, as his stage name.
His first album, Native Country, came out in 1975. Bruce Cockburn helped with this recording. This album was the only one released on "Native Country", an Indigenous record label Shingoose started. Even though the label didn't last long, people called Shingoose a "visionary" for creating it. He was ahead of his time.
In the same decade, he signed a five-year songwriting deal with Glen Campbell. Shingoose also toured a lot across Canada. He performed in clubs, on university campuses, and at folk festivals. His second album, Ballad of Norval, was released in 1979.
In the early 1980s, Shingoose worked with Don Marks and Bill Britain. They created a First Nations musical play called InDEO, where Shingoose was the star. He and Marks later started Native Multimedia Productions. This TV company made a First Nations news show called Full Circle, later known as First Nations Magazine, for CKND-TV. They also made a TV special in 1989 called Indian Time for CTV. Shingoose hosted Full Circle and performed in Indian Time. He also reported on First Nations issues for CTV's Canada AM.
In 1991, Shingoose hosted a three-part documentary series for CBC Radio. This series was all about First Nations music. He also worked for TVOntario on Indigenous programming. He was the director of education for the Canada Arts Foundation. Later, he led the committee for the Juno Award for Aboriginal Album of the Year. He also helped raise money for an Indigenous cultural center in Winnipeg. His song "Treaty Rights" became an anthem for the 2007 Aboriginal Day of Action.
Later Years and Legacy
In 2012, Shingoose had a stroke that caused partial paralysis. His friend Don Marks organized a concert to help him with medical and living costs. Many artists performed, including Eagle & Hawk, Ray St. Germain, and Don Amero. That same year, Shingoose was inducted into the Manitoba Music Hall of Fame.
His song "Silver River" was included on the 2014 album Native North America, Vol. 1. He recorded this song with poet Duke Redbird for his 1975 album Native Country. The Native North America, Vol. 1 album was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Shingoose passed away at age 74 on January 12, 2021. He died from COVID-19 in a care home in Winnipeg during the COVID-19 pandemic in Manitoba.
Albums
- Native Country (1975)
- Ballad of Norval (1979)
- Natural Tan (1989)
- T-Bird in the Lake (2007)
