Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World

Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World is a documentary that delves into the lesser-known history of Native American contributions to popular music. From the early days of blues to the present, the film showcases the lives and careers of influential Native American musicians who have shaped the very fabric of American music. The documentary begins with the story of Charley Patton, a Delta blues legend who is widely regarded as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time. Patton, who was of Choctaw descent, was born in Mississippi in 1891 and began playing music as a young boy. He rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s, recording over 70 songs for the Paramount Records label. Patton's music was characterized by its raw, emotional power and his unique blend of blues, gospel, and folk influences. The film also explores the life and career of Robbie Robertson, a guitarist and songwriter who rose to fame with the rock band The Band. Robertson, who is of Mohawk descent, was born in Ontario in 1943 and began playing music at a young age. He joined The Band in the 1960s and became a key contributor to their music, writing songs like "The Weight" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." Robertson's music with The Band helped to define the sound of 1960s rock and roll and influenced generations of musicians to come. Another key figure in the documentary is Jimi Hendrix, a guitarist and singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time. Hendrix, who was of Cherokee descent, grew up in Seattle and began playing music as a young boy. He rose to fame in the 1960s, becoming known for his innovative and experimental approach to the guitar. Hendrix's music was a fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelia, and he is remembered for his iconic performances at Woodstock and the Isle of Wight Festival. The documentary also explores the life and career of Buffy Sainte-Marie, a singer-songwriter and activist who rose to fame in the 1960s. Sainte-Marie, who is of Cree descent, was born in Saskatchewan in 1941 and began playing music as a young girl. She rose to fame with her hit song "Universal Soldier," which was recorded by Donovan and became a huge hit. Sainte-Marie's music has been characterized by its socially conscious lyrics and her unique blend of folk, rock, and pop influences. Other musicians featured in the documentary include Jesse Ed Davis, a guitarist and songwriter who played with Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, and Taj Mahal; Rissi Palmer, a soul singer who rose to fame in the 2000s; and Joanne Shenandoah, a singer-songwriter and guitarist who was a member of the traditional Native American music group Two Wings. Each of these musicians has made significant contributions to the world of popular music, and their stories are woven throughout the documentary. Throughout the film, Rumble draws on a wide range of historical sources, including music recordings, photographs, and interviews with family members and fellow musicians. The documentary is both a tribute to the many Native American musicians who have shaped American music and a testament to the enduring power of their music. As the film concludes, it becomes clear that the story of Native American contributions to popular music is just beginning to be told, and that there are many more stories to explore and celebrate. Rumble also serves as a reminder of the struggles that many Native American musicians have faced, from racism and marginalization to internal conflict and identity crisis. Despite these challenges, the musicians featured in the film have persevered and continued to make their mark on the music world. As Robbie Robertson notes in the documentary, "Native American music is not just a footnote in history - it's the foundation of American music." The documentary ends on a hopeful note, with a sense of possibility and potential. As Rissi Palmer notes, "Native American music is not just a genre - it's a way of life." The film concludes with a quote from Leon Russell, who once said, "The Native American contribution to music is like a stone that has been cast into a lake - it creates ripples that will be felt for generations to come." Rumble is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of Native American music and the importance of preserving and celebrating this rich cultural heritage.