Verdell Primeaux facts for kids
Verdell Primeaux is a talented singer and songwriter from the Native American Church. He is known for his special "peyote songs," which are often sung with a rattle and a water drum. Verdell Primeaux is part of the Oglala, Yankton, and Ponca tribes. He is also famous for being one half of the music duo Primeaux and Mike, with his partner Johnny Mike.
Verdell Primeaux's Early Life
Verdell Primeaux was born in 1966 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He grew up connected to the Pine Ridge Oglala Lakota Nation in South Dakota. His father, Francis Primeaux Senior, and his grandfather, Harry Primeaux, were also well-known peyote singers. Today, Verdell Primeaux lives in Many Farms, Arizona with his family.
About Johnny Mike
Johnny Mike, Verdell's music partner, is from Kitsili, Black Mesa, Arizona. He is a member of the Navajo tribe. Johnny Mike's family history connects him to the Near the Water People clan and the Salt Clan. He has two children, Rachael and Shane, and lives in Chinle, Arizona.
Awards and Recognition
Verdell Primeaux and Johnny Mike have received important awards for their music.
- In 2002, they won a Grammy Award for Best Native American Music Album. This award was for their album Bless The People - Harmonized Peyote Songs.
- Also in 2002, they received a Nammy Award for Best Traditional Recording. This award was also for their album Bless the People.
Music Albums
Verdell Primeaux has released many albums, often with Johnny Mike or other talented musicians. Here are some of his notable works:
- Peyote Songs of the Yankton Sioux – Three Volumes (https://indianrecordsinc.com/shop/yankton-sioux-peyote-songs-three-volumes/) with Francis Primeaux, Leroy Magpie Hoof, and Francis Primeaux, Jr.
- Peyote Songs (vol.1) (Canyon Records-16301) with Johnny Mike
- Peyote & Healing Songs (vol.2) (CR-16302) with Robert Attson
- Peyote Songs (vol.3) (CR-16303) with Johnny Mike
- Walk in Beauty: Healing Songs 1995 (vol.4) (CR-16304) with Johnny Mike
- Peyote Songs (vol.5) (CR-16305) with Johnny Mike
- Peyote Songs in Sioux & Navajo (CR-6301) with Johnny Mike
- Sacred Path (vol.6) (CR-6306) with Joe Jakob
- Peyote Songs of the Native American Church (vol.7) (CR-6309) with Johnny Mike
- Gathering of Voices (vol.8) (CR-6310) with Johnny Mike
- Live in Harmony (CR-6313) with Johnny Mike
- Evolution: Generation to Generation 2000 (CR-6314) with Johnny Mike
- Bless the People: Harmonized Peyote Songs 2001 (CR-6317) with Johnny Mike
- Hours Before Dawn 2002 (CR-6342) with Johnny Mike
- Lost and Lonely 2009
- Stories Told 2008 (CR-6432) with Terry Hanks
- The Color of Morning 2007 (CR-7081) with Xavier Quijas Yxayotl of Guadalajara
- Healing Winds (Cool Runnings Music) with Johnny Mike
- Mystical Warrior (CRM)
- Peyote Songs From Lakota Country (CRM)
- Veterans and Honor Songs (CRM)
