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Which Native American popular musicians became widely known in North America?
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Native American music
Native Americans playing drums at a powwow.
Native American popular music gained significant momentum in the 1960s, with artists exploring diverse genres such as jazz, rock, blues, country, folk, and hip-hop to express indigenous concerns.1
Widely known Native North American popular musicians include:
- Buffy Sainte-Marie (Cree)
- Philippe McKenzie (Innu Montagnais)
- Joanne Shenandoah (Oneida)
- Joy Harjo (Creek)
- Geraldine Barney (Navajo)
- Robert Mirabal (Taos Pueblo)
- Jim Pepper (Kaw and Creek)
Additionally, several musical groups have achieved recognition, including Redbone, XIT, and Ulali. These artists have been instrumental in bringing indigenous perspectives to a broader North American audience through their participation in various popular music styles.1