Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Can music still stir the spirit of dissent, still motivate us to think
more deeply and care more openly? There was a time when it did and
that time may be back with Robby Romero as one of its best known and
respected voices. Robby and his band RED THUNDER are already superstars on America's Native American reservations or "Indian
country" as its known. And, now, his music is erupting in mainstream
America. He's coming to get ya. For most Americans and that includes the millions who gamble in what are supposed to be tribal casinos, Indian country is still a nation a part, a land of America's original people struggling in some cases to survive and others to be heard. Robby, with the look talent and attitude representing the best in rock and roll is not just an ambassador from that world, but an articulate artist and advocate for the causes and concerns behind a cultural resistance that is older than this country.
In the spirit of Woody Guthrie's Tom Joad, Robby Romero is there
wherever Native Americans are fighting for the rights. He's there with a guitar and songs that communicate the spirit of those protecting Mother Earth. He is a musician head a musical movement. - By Danny SchechterMediachannel.org
"Makoce Wakan is unlike most commercially available releases today. This album consists of 11 delicately crafted mini operas resulting in an intense spiritual collection. Robby and Red Thunder's creation of expressive "Native Rock" symbolizes deep beliefs and passionate views. This disc screams out originality and inspiration with thought provoking songs..." - CD Review / The Editors Choice
"Robby has a great passion about his performance, and the lyrics are all geared towards the subject matter of the film. "Sacred Circle" is about the cyclical relationship between nature and man. "Dream Catcher" is about hope for the future, and "Lonesome River” is a great ballad..." - Soundtrack Net
"We had amazing feedback from our viewers and they enjoyed the educational ride, the critical message so eloquently brought across with the beauty of Alaska and music that could become a hit in South Africa" - Antonitte Terblanche, SABC Africa.
In 1990 Robby Romero formed Red Thunder, a Native Rock band with roots deep in the heart of Indian Country. Red Thunder debuted from the Apache Territories of the Southwest as part of MTV’s Street Party broadcast and has since, "...commanded the largest viewing audience of any contemporary Indian group.” - Encyclopedia of North American Indians Past to Present
Robby Romero and Red Thunder have earned a loyal cult following, and are ready to cross over into the mainstream. The question is, Is the mainstream ready for Native
Rock?” - VH1
Mille Lacs Reservation, Minnesota
Robby Romero sure can rock a house, eh? Have you ever seen him perform, wow he is just fantastic, really gets into his music, it's just really cool. You can see how he goes into his own place there, with those Native drums, bass guitar and some flute here and there. With his eagle feather hanging from his guitar, he led us into a ballad for the women.
“The impact that this current administration, and the next, has serious effects on Indigenous communities all over the world. The Indigenous communities are the first to suffer the desecration of land and life,” said Romero, then took off into the song Sacred Ground to send the message home.
Romero was joined by Dubious Grand to perform a hot blues number wishing for a new Ojibwe beaded hat. It was a great performance, and as I looked around the room, I could see that everyone truly got into that song. What a performance, such talent. Then Romero asked, “What's up with that voter registration rule anyway?” G-o-o-d question, eh?
He ended this rockin' evening with the hit, Heartbeat, a strong ending to a powerful and motivating event! So Hey, GET OUT THE VOTE NATIVE AMERICA!! - by by Karen DonaHoewah, News From Indian Country
“Red Thunder blazes a trail into American Indian rock territory weaving Native American and modern sounds into a supremely colorful musical blanket.” - by Rick Reger, Chicago Tribune
“Red Thunder conveys a message all over the world. Robby lays down his own penetrating songs, drawn from the imagery of his people for celebrations and cautionary tomes like “The Prayer Song” and “Heartbeat.” - NAVAJO TIMES
Discography
ROBBY ROMERO & RED THUNDER have released four CD's and one CD/DVD compilation entitled:
Native Children's Survival If not now, when?
If not you, who?
CD releases
America's Last Frontier
Hidden Medicine
Makoce Wakan
Red Thunder
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
THE ROBBY ROMERO STORY
The Man, The Music, The Mission
Some people are born knowing who they are and where they are going. Others spend their entire life trying to find out. Some never do. Robby Romero has always known.
Robby’s early life was spent in the age-old tradition of living out of the proverbial suitcase. Only his suitcase bridged a cultural divide. He traveled between two very different world’s namely - that of New Mexico with its native customs and Hollywood, with its own set of customs.
His father worked in show biz for the David Wolper Organization while his mother appeared in numerous motion pictures including a series of Elvis Presley films. Robby even met The King. Surrounded by some of the most artistic minds of the time, Robby spent much of his childhood in the company of Dennis Hopper, a relationship which would intern have a powerful impact on his own creativity.
As Robby matured, he learned to combine the best of what he loved about both those worlds. His love of music and poetry developed into a sound and style conied, “Native Rock”.
By thirteen he was singing his songs in Taos Plaza Cantinas. Recording in LA with musicians such as celebrated Native American guitarist Jesse Ed Davis, recording artist Johnny Rivers and legendary producer Van Dyke Parks. Throughout his youth Robby performed in Hollywood’s talked about club scene. He played the Palomino, the Troubadour, and that most infamous of all, Whiskey A-Go-Go.
Robby toured with country singer and academy award nominee Ronee Blakley, Rick Danko of The Band, Gene Clark of The Byrds and Paul Butterfield of The Butterfield Blues Band. But it was his apprenticeship with Latin activist Reyes Tijerina and Native American activist Dennis Banks that would change the course of his life and put him on the inspirational road he was born to follow.
In 1989 Robby founded an organization called Native Children’s Survival, (“NCS”) a non-profit group devoted to the healing of Mother Earth and her children. The mission for NCS is to create awareness through the arts about human rights and the environment.
Robby’s first effort set the stage for all that would follow. He formed Red Thunder, a Native Rock band with roots deep in the heart of Indian Country. Red Thunder debuted from the Apache Territories of the Southwest as part of MTV’s “Street Party” broadcast.
This was the beginning of Robby’s new path weaving traditional music, poetry, and images with contemporary sound and vision.
His first project for Native Children’s Survival was a long form music video in association with Island Records, the National Center for Exploited and Abused Children and the National Congress of American Indians. Shot on location, “All The Missing Children”, featured runaways from the streets of LA and New York City and talent such as Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chile Peppers, Terri Nunn of Berlin, and Native American Poet, John Trudell.
“All The Missing Children” made its debut from the Brooklyn Academy of Music and was released to schools and educational institutions throughout Indian Country and the United States.
With rare performances outside of Indian Country interspersed throughout his career, from the Roxy Theater in Hollywood to his most recent performance at Joe’s Pub at the New York City Public Theater, Robby Romero continues to stand up and celebrate what he believes in. Robby’s unique ability to create music and translate that into film, TV, festivals, campaigns and products while remaining focused to his commitment with Indigenous Peoples, human rights and the environment, is clear. It is the reason he has been honored and supported around the world by Indigenous leaders, politicians, celebrities and fellow artists.
The movement has accomplished so much and yet there is so much more to do. In 2005 Robby will launch; “Native Wind Powering America” a Public Service Campaign offering positive alternative solutions to the America’s growing energy demands:, “Thunderstorm Musical Journey’s” a film series about Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and the Environment at the Point of Impact and “Thunderstorm Music Movement” College Tour. Weaving the new into the old, it is just the beginning....
ROBBY ROMERO
Chronological Highlights of His Work
2004
“NATIVE CHILDREN’S SURVIVAL If not now, when? If not you, who?” CD/DVD compilation featuring the music, films, and PSA Campaigns of Robby Romero & Red Thunder was released in Indian Country, December 21, 2004.
"THUNDERSTORM: A Music Movement” Tour began Earth Day April 22, at Joe’s Pub, New York Public Theater in New York City, with Chief Oren Lyons. The tour made many stops throughout the year including the INDIGENOUS ENVIRONMENT NETWORK "PROTECTING MOTHER EARTH" Conference, Black Hills, SD, COMMUNITY WIND ENERGY National Conference for New Models of Wind Development, MPLS Convention Center, MN, OGLALA COMMEMORATION CONCERT, Pine Ridge Rez, Oglala,
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