Up Where We Belong: Native Musicians in Popular Culture

This banner exhibition highlights Native people who have been active participants in contemporary music during the past century. Musicians like Russell "Big Chief" Moore (Gila River Indian Community), Rita Coolidge (Cherokee), Buffy Sainte-Marie (Cree), and the group Redbone are a few of the Native performing artists who have had successful careers in popular music. Many have been involved in each form of popular music—from jazz and blues to folk, country, and rock. In this exhibition their stories are told, along with the history behind them. Visitors can hear samples of these music greats and find out with whom they collaborated, learn by whom they were inspired, and consider contemporary artists whom they influenced. Highlights include Jimi Hendrix's (Cherokee) colorful patchwork full-length leather coat.

Related books and CDs available in the Museum Store