William Horn Cloud facts for kids
William Horn Cloud (also known as William 'Horncloud') was born in 1905 in the Medicine District of Pine Ridge, South Dakota. He passed away in 1992. His parents were Joseph Horn Cloud and Mildred Beautiful Bald Eagle. His father, Joseph, was a survivor of the Wounded Knee Massacre.
A Life in Music
William Horn Cloud learned many traditional songs from older Lakota people. He became well-known at pow wows as a singer, dancer, and speaker. He was also an interpreter of traditional Lakota songs and culture. He did a lot to help keep Lakota and Sioux culture and traditions alive.
Famous musician Johnny Cash even visited with Horncloud to play songs. Horncloud recorded several albums. One was called 'Sioux Songs of War and Love', released in 1971 by Canyon Records. He also recorded 'Sings Sioux Rabbit Songs' and 'Sioux Love Song/ Rabbit Dance Song'.
Later, Canyon Records released a CD called 'Traditional Lakota Songs'. This CD includes tracks from 'Sioux Songs of War and Love'. Both albums feature a song called 'Honoring Song'. On this track, Horncloud's 86-year-old father-in-law, Chief Charles Red Cloud, sings his own grandfather's song. His grandfather was Red Cloud, a famous leader from the Bozeman War (1866-1868). The song's words talk about the challenges of being an Indigenous person in a world dominated by others.
Another one of Horncloud's traditional Lakota love songs was later updated by Kevin Locke (musician). It was renamed 'Nióiye Wéksuye' and appeared on the album 'Lightning and Wind: The Voice and Flute of a Nation'. This project helped promote the Lakota language.
His Family and Heritage
William Horncloud's father-in-law was Oglala Lakota Chief Charles Red Cloud. Chief Charles Red Cloud was the grandson of the famous historical leader, Chief Red Cloud (1822–1909). This Chief Red Cloud was known for his role in Red Cloud's War from 1866 to 1868.
William Horncloud married Nancy Red Cloud, who was Chief Charles Red Cloud's daughter. William and Nancy had a daughter named Millie Horn Cloud.
William's father, Joseph Horn Cloud, was 16 years old when he witnessed and survived the Wounded Knee Massacre. Sadly, William Horncloud's grandfather, grandmother, and another relative named Yellow Leaf all died on December 29, 1890, during the Wounded Knee Massacre.
