Bob Dylan referred to [John] Trudell’s spoken word/rock and roll album AKA Graffiti Man as the ‘best album of 1995.’ Northwest Native activist Janet McCloud referred to Trudell as .. one of the greatest poets of all time.” Kris Kristoferson referred to him as “a lone wolf.” Not only a profound orator, he is a significant political figure in the more recent history of the Indian people’s movement.
“Crazy Horse, we hear what you say. One earth, one mother…. One does not sell the earth…. How do we sell our mother?” ~John Trudell, Crazy Horse
Who is John Trudell? You may not know who he is, but in addition to the persons mentioned above, Angelina Jolie knows him well enough to be the executive producer of his recent recording of Native American music, Bone Days, featuring cuts such as Crazy Horse. Jackson Browne knows him to the extent that he has produced many of Trudell’s other recordings. He is also friends with Sam Shepard, Val Kilmer, and Wilma Mankiller (former tribal chief of my other nation, the Cherokee Nation). In other words, how is it possible that you do not know of him?
John Trudell also has a movie, Trudell the Movie. Broaden your American culture horizons and take a few moments to view the trailer. (Look for Watch Trailer in the lower-right of your screen.) Also click on Multimedia for additional film clips, some of which did not make it into the final cut, and a few clips of his music.
In fact, you will find the song, Crazy Horse, in its entirety there. It contains a line that reminds me of a question posed by one of my favorite poets, Pablo Neruda. In his The Book of Questions, Neruda asks, “Does smoke talk to the clouds?”
Home page: John Trudell
Home page: Trudell the Movie
Addendum: John Trudell is a great songwriter. After you have listened, each of his songs at the movie’s web site can be culled from your Temporary Internet Files folder as full-length MP3s.

John Lennon Songwriting Contest
Wednesday, 5 July 2006; 22:46As the Jim Croce song says, “You don’t tug on Superman’s cape.” That was my very first thought when I ran across the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. In this case it’s not Superman, but it still seems there are some acts one just does not follow. It’s like any band or guitarist that covers Jimi Hendrix. The outcome simply cannot be anything but a disappointment.
That said, the contest has produced some very good, if not excellent music from aspiring musicians and songwriters. And although it’s not the Magic Bus, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus will have to suffice in the 21st century. Given we’re talking about music, it should not come as a surprise to find Apple Computer involved in the project, and where you will find several films and songs from the contest and bus’ travels. A few samples are below. Many more are available at the Apple web site.
Imagine by Yoland King and the Agope Childrens Choir
Detroit Battle of the Bands Winners
Before Morning Light by Timber
Al Jarreau Songwriting Tips Interview
Hey Lady by The Woodlands
The Veronicas Songwriting Tips Interview
(And remember, each Quicktime clip played can be found in your Temporary Internet Files folder. Open it up, copy, and paste where you’d like the clips stored. They’re now yours!)
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