John
Trudell is an acclaimed poet, national recording artist,
actor and activist whose international following reflects
the universal language of his words, work and message. Trudell
(Santee Sioux) was a spokesperson for the Indian of All
Tribes occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969 to 1971.
He then worked with the American Indian Movement (AIM),
serving as Chairman of AIM from 1973 to 1979. In February
of 1979, a fire of unknown origin killed Trudell’s
wife, three children and mother-in-law. It was through this
horrific tragedy that Trudell began to find his voice as
an artist and poet, writing, in his words, “to stay
connected to this reality.”
In 1982, Trudell began recording his poetry to traditional
Native music and in 1983 he released his debut album Tribal
Voice on his own Peace Company label. Trudell then
teamed up with the late legendary Kiowa guitarist Jesse
Ed Davis. Together, they recorded three albums during the
1980’s. The first of these, AKA Graffiti Man,
was released in 1986 and dubbed the best album of the year
by Bob Dylan. AKA Graffiti Man served early notice
of Trudell’s singular ability to express fundamental
truths through a unique mix of poetry, Native music, blues
and rock. Since that time, Trudell has released seven more
albums plus a digitally re-mastered collection of his early
Peace Company cassettes. His 2002 CD, Bone Days,
was executive produced by Academy Award winning actress
Angelina Jolie and released on the Daemon Records label.
His latest double album, Madness & The Moremes,
showcases more than five years of new music and includes
special Ghost Tracks of old favorite Trudell tunes made
with legendary Kiowa guitarist Jesse Ed Davis. This internet
only release offers a full range of classic Trudell poetry
– there are lyrics filled with penetrating insight
and others with knock out humor, all put to some of the
best music Bad Dog has ever made together. Madness and
The Moremes is available now on www.johntrudell.com
In addition to his music career, Trudell has played roles
in a number of feature films, including a lead role in the
Mirimax movie Thunderheart and a major part in
Sherman Alexie’s Smoke Signals. He most recently
played Coyote in Hallmark’s made for television movie,
Dreamkeeper.
|
