Tommy Wildcat facts for kids
Tommy Wildcat (born on May 3, 1967) is a talented Native American musician and a scholar. He is known for his flute music and for sharing the culture of the Cherokee Nation.
About Tommy Wildcat
Tommy Wildcat is an official member of the Cherokee Nation. This means he is recognized as a citizen of the Cherokee people. He has received many honors for his work. These include the Tulsa Indian Alliance Lifetime Cultural Achievement Award. He was also named Flutist of the Year in 2002 by the Native American Music Awards (NAMA).
Tommy's parents, Annie and the late Tom Webber Wildcat, were also very important. They were both named Cherokee National Treasures. This special title is given to people who are experts in traditional Cherokee arts and culture. Tommy also has a twin sister named Tammy.
Tommy went to Sequoyah High School and graduated in 1985. Later, in 2014, he earned a college degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. His main studies were in Cherokee Cultural Studies. He also studied American Indian Studies. This helped him learn even more about his heritage.
In September 2005, Tommy and his family were featured in National Geographic magazine. One picture showed Tommy holding his young nephew, Skylar Wildcat. This helped share their story with many people.
Tommy's father, Tom Wildcat, became a Cherokee National Treasure in 1995. He was honored for his amazing skill in making traditional turtle shell shakers. His mother, Annie Wildcat, received the same honor in 2018. She was recognized for her beautiful clay bead necklaces. Tommy himself was in an American Express commercial in 1995. It was called "Charge Against Hunger" and was shown during the Beatles Anthology.
Tommy Wildcat's Music
Tommy Wildcat taught himself how to write songs for the flute. He also learned many traditional vocal songs from his father, Tom W. Wildcat. These songs are an important part of his tribe's history and culture.
Tommy has his own company called A Warrior's Production. Through this company, he has released four full music albums. His first album came out in 1995. Some of his music was even featured on Tom Richard's show, The Real Outdoors, on the Nashville Network.
Images for kids
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Cherokee Nation "National Treasure" Tommy Wildcat, playing the flute at the Cherokee Nation Hard rock Casino CCO - Community Cultural Outreach Cherokee Leaders Conference in Catoosa/Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2013
