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The best music created by Indigenous artists in all its variety and excellence.
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From the extraordinary rock ballads of Jim Boyd to the powerful tenor Lawrence Harris the comedy of puppeteer Buddy Big Mountain and the emotional vocals of Jamie Coon; the artists featured are without exception in command of the stage and show just how good Native artists can be.
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All the professionalism and production values of much larger events like the Grammy Awards
and the American Music Awards
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF RADIO TELEVISION ARTS
The world's largest and only professional membership-based organization dedicated to showcasing and honoring outstanding music initiatives by Native North Americans and American Indians. The Native American Music Association, a 501(c(3) was established in 1998 surrounding the debut of the Native American Music Awards in order to promote greater cultural understanding and revival of Native American music and culture.
Founded 1998
Celebrating 20 Years
The 90th #Oscars honor the men and women of the United States military. pic.twitter.com/DoaztJB7fS
— ABC Network (@ABCNetwork) March 5, 2018
CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE RELEASE OF
LINK WRAY'S RUMBLE
Pictured are: Top row l-r son Link Wray Jr, musician Jon Paris, grandson Chris Webb,
bottom l-r daughter Beth Wray Webb, musician Denise Mercedes.
On March 31, 1958, Native American Music Hall of Fame Inductee, Link Wray released his song, "Rumble" on Cadence Records. The only instrumental song to get banned from radio first came to the attention of record producer Archie Bleyer .
The single was banned in several US 
radio markets because the term "rumble" was a slang term for a gang fight. But "Rumble" became a hit in the United States climbing to number 16 on the charts by the Summer of 1958 and selling one million copies.
Sixty years later to the date of its 
original release, Link Wray's family and former bandmates gathered at Generation Records in Greenwich Village, New York to celebrate "Rumble." Special guests included; Link Wray's eldest daughter Beth Wray Webb, her brother Link Wray Jr., her son Chris Webb, the only female to perform with Link, Denise Mercedes, and noted blues rock musician Jon Paris as well as Native American Music Awards President, Ellen Bello, guitarist Steven Van Zandt who inducted Link Wray into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame and Co-directors of the documentary, "Rumble".
Look for our upcoming special auction commemorating the 60th Anniversary of "Rumble" with autographed albums, cds plus a commemorative limited series Link Wray print and Anniversary T-shirt.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER OF AN ORIGINAL JOSEPH FIRECROW SIGNATURE FLUTE
The late Joseph FireCrow was a multiple Native American Music Award winner, Lifetime Achievement Recipient
, GRAMMY nominee & Winner. One of Joseph's original flutes engraved with his autograph, was donated by his wife for our auction to help raise funds for our Association,a 501c3 organization. This is one of Joseph's personal flutes from his own collection made of western red cedar and in t
he key of B. Congratulations to the winning bidder!
Nokie Edwards Autographed Guitar Auction Coming Soon!
This autographed Guitar was purchased new and only tuned and played by Nokie at the 13th Annual Native American Music Awards. It comes with a Hard case and also included is Nokie's original performance agreement for the 13th Annual Native American Music Awards, and signed by Nokie . In addition to that we also have a signed photo of Nokie that will be included. The proceeds of this sale will be donated to the Native American Music Association a non profit 501c3.
Wes Studi at The Oscars
One of the most distinguished American Indian Actors, Wes Studi, was a special guest at the Oscars and presented a Military Movie Tribute during the 90th Academy Awards.
Studi, who is the first Native American presenter at The Oscars, served as a soldier in the Vietnam War. After being introduced, Studi took the Oscar stage 
and stated, “At age 17, I enlisted in the National Guard. A few years later, I volunteered to go to Vietnam. Now, I’m proud to have served there for 12 months with Alpha Company of the 39th Infantry.....Anyone Else? Now, as a veteran, I am always appreciative when filmmakers bring to the screen stories of those who have served. Over 90 years of the Academy Awards, a number of movies with military themes have been honored at the Oscars. Let’s take a moment to pay tribute to these powerful films that shine a great spotlight on those who have fought for freedom around the world.”
Studi then closed his presentation by speaking in his Native Cherokee language. According to a Tweet from the Cherokee Nation, they translated Wes Studi's closing remark as: “Hello. Appreciation to all veterans & Cherokees who’ve served. Thank you!” Studi shared the Cherokee Nation Tweet on his Twitter page.
The montage of military themed movies featured clips from; "A Few Good Men," "Full Metal Jacket," "Zero Dark Thirty," "American Sniper," "Dunkirk," "Saving Private Ryan," "From Here to Eternity," "The Deer Hunter" and "Patton."
The video tribute ended with these words on the screen: "THE OSCARS WISH TO THANK AND HONOR OUR MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN IN SERVICE AROUND THE WORLD."
Wes Studi was a presenter at the Inaugural Native American Music Awards in 1998 and was the host of the 12th Annual Native American Music Awards where he also performed. Wes Studi has appeared in numerous movies and roles including most recently playing Chief Yellowhawk in "Hostiles" (2017). His starring credits also include; the Oscar-winning films “Avatar” (2009), “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992) and “Dances with Wolves” (1990). Additionally, he appeared in the Oscar-nominated films “The New World” (2005) and “Geronimo: An American Legend” (1993). Other films he's appeared in are Heat, Mystery Men, A Million Ways to Die in the West, and the television series Penny Dreadful.
Watch Wes Studi's Oscar appearance here.
Nokie Edwards Journeys To The Spirit World
Nokie Edwards (Cherokee), universally recognized as one of the world’s premiere guitarists and member of the internationally acclaimed instrumental group, The Ventures, has died at the age of 82. Known for his innovative guitar sound, and credited for such hit songs as; Hawaii Five-O, Walk Don't Run, Surf Rider and Wipe Out, Nokie died from complications of a hip surgery he had in December in Yuma, Arizona according to a family source.
Nokie won Best Instrumental Recording at the 12th Annual Native American Music Awards for his solo instrumental effort, Hitchin' A Ride. He was also honored with a Hall of Fame Induction by the Native American Music Association at the 13th Annual Awards ceremony in 2011 and performed.
Native American Music Association President, Ellen Bello recalls, “One of the first sounds to capture me as a child were the guitar riffs of Nokie Edwards from the song, Wipe Out. I could never hear enough of it. To personally have met Nokie, the Legend behind that hit song, and be able to induct him into our Association’s Hall of Fame, was a tremendous honor that I will always cherish and remember. On behalf of the Native American Music Association & Awards, I extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Nokie's wife Judy, and their family and friends. Nokie was an inspiration to so many individuals and bands. He will be greatly missed." states Ellen Bello.
Nokie Edwards was born Nole Floyd “Nokie” Edwards on May 9, 1935 in Lahoma, Oklahoma. He was one of 12 children of Albert Lee Edwards and his Cherokee mother, Nannie Mae Quinton. Nokie first picked up the guitar at age 5. By age 11, he was playing every string instrument but chose the guitar to master. He turned professional at the age of 12 and by age 17, his guitar technique was unprecedented.
Nokie first joined Don Wilson and Bob Bogle to form the Ventures in 1959. These surf-rock icons became the number one instrumental band in the world and were considered a phenomenon in the music business. Nokie and his group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. They were inducted by John Fogerty who hailed their pioneering sound that “empowered guitarists everywhere.” To date, The Ventures recorded over 350 albums and sold over 100 million albums worldwide.
Nokie’s many accomplishments include composing the song, ‘Ginza Lights (Futari No Ginza)’ which was one of the first Ventures’ hits in Japan. The Lively Ones' hit Surf Rider, which was used in the final sequence of Quentin Tarantino's film, Pulp Fiction. Nokie’s contributions in the Light Crust Doughboys’ albums; 20th Century Gospel and Southern Meets Soul also earned him two GRAMMY nominations.
Nokie played Fender Telecasters before switching to Mosrite guitars until 1967. He designed and sold his own customized guitar called, “The Hitchhiker,” a hybrid of the best elements from the Fender Telecaster and Mosrite guitars.
As a solo artist, Nokie has recorded over two dozen solo albums including the award-winning, Hitchin A Ride. He has been a guest performer on dozen of CD recordings, has received numerous awards along with his inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Native American Music Hall of Fame. Nokie also performed on the soundtrack for the movie, “Pulp Fiction,” and appeared as an actor in the HBO series, “Deadwood.”
Nokie will forever be revered as one of the world’s best and most influential guitarists. Nokie’s unique guitar style and sound will always be remembered as will his endearing sense of humor and his enjoyment for telling jokes. As part of his recipient speech at the 13th Annual Native American Music Awards, where he was inducted into the Music Association’s Hall of Fame, Nokie cracked a couple of jokes. You can view his induction on the following link:
From the era of 45s and LPs, to the age of social media and digital downloads, master musician Nokie Edwards and his unprecedented talent will undoubtedly withstand the test of time.
Nokie leaves behind his wife Judy and their four children from previous marriages. Nokie's leaves his daughter Tina (he tragically lost his other daughter Kim in a car accident in 1988) and Judy's two boys' Patrick and Seth. Together, there are six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Judy also serves as president of the Nokie Edwards Official USA Fan Club.
Our thoughts and prayers to Nokie’s wife Judy and their family. Nokie will be greatly missed but his music and undeniable guitar style will live on forever.
For more information on Nokie Edwards, visit his official website, http://www.nokieedwards.com/biography.htm
or visit us at www.NativeAmericanMusicAwards.com
For more information on Nokie Edwards, visit his official website, www.NokieEdwards.com
The first and only awards show honoring the best in music and entertainment by American Indians, Native Americans, North American Indigenous people.
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WINNERS ANNOUNCED!!
17th Annual Native American Music Awards
WWE® Superstar & SMG Recording Artist
MICKIE JAMES™
INDUCTED INTO THE NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC
HALL OF FAME
AND WINNER FOR SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
JOSH HALVERSON
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
BEST FOLK RECORDING
KELLY DERRICKSON
BEST FEMALE ARTIST
NAHKO
RECORD OF THE YEAR
NORTHERN CREE SINGERS
BEST POW WOW RECORDING
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
DJ SHUB
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Arthur Redcloud
Honorary Award of Excellence
Conrad Benally
Best Male Artist
Lucas Ciliberti
Debut Artist of the Year
Sten Joddi
Best Rap Hip Hop Recording
Back Bear Brothers
Debut Group of the Year
James Edmund Greeley
Best Traditional Recording
Artson
Best Music Video Narrative
Jan Michael Looking Wolf Band
Best Music Video Performance
and Red Carpet Hosted By Felipe Rose of the Village People
SEE NAMA 17 PAGE FOR MORE!
Follow the NAMA's on Twitter @NativeAwards
Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NativeAwards/
Visit their YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/NativeMusicAwards
VOTED BEST MUSIC VIDEO
17th ANNUAL AWARDS
IN NIAGARA FALLS NEW YORK
Lil Mike & Funny Bone
AFTER PARTY AT PULSE ARENA
Special Guest Appearances by
Ashley Callingbull, Carsen Gray & DJ Shub
NBC's The Voice recent contestant, Brooke Simpson is 26 years old and is a full-blooded Native American from the Haliwa-Saponi tribe. Brooke is from Hollister, North Carolina and currently lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She grew up on tribal grounds with 4,000 Native Americans, including most of her family.
Below Brooke sings Aretha Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" during The Voice knockouts and absolutely nailing her audition. Brooke competed in the Playoff Round, landing third place but first in our hearts. https://www.nbc.com/the-voice/credits/credit/season-13/brooke-simpson
Jan Michael Looking Wolf performed his award-winning song, Live As One with the Oregon State University choirs and his ensemble. Live As One has received international radio play and won the award for Best Music Video at the Native American Music Awards in 2011 from a live taping of a special performance with native musicians from across the country. This version was specially arranged for choirs by OSU graduate student in Music Education, Danika Locey and conducted by Dr. Steven Zielke.
AWARD WINNING MUSICIAN & FLUTE PLAYER
JOSEPH FIRECROW WALKS ON
The Native American Music Community Mourns The Loss Of A National Treasure And Cultural Ambassador
JIMMY LEE YOUNG APPEARS IN NEW U2 VIDEO
Two time Native American Music Award Winner, Jimmy Lee Young appears in the new U2 video for the song, "One Tree Hill"! as the backdrop for U2' s 30th Anniversary Tour of, "Joshua Tree". Jimmy Lee Young' s song Apache is currently being played on Irish national radio, RTE 2 FM, Dublin , Ireland. Watch the Video below.
NAMA Hall of Famer, Link Wray honored with a new documentary and nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 
The documentary Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World, recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The documentary features NAMA Hall of Famer, Link Wray or the late Fred Lincoln “Link” Wray, Jr. and his seminal guitar instrumental “Rumble” along with other Native American Music Awards Honorees:
Link Wray Hall of Fame, inducted at the 8th Annual Awards.
Jimi Hendrix Hall of Fame 1st Inaugural Native American Music Awards;
Robbie Robertson Lifetime Achievement Award, 1st Inaugural Native American Music Awards,
Taboo Hall of Fame, 16th Annual Native American Music Awards,
Randy Castillo Lifetime Achievent as part of XIT at 2nd Annual Native American Music Awards;
Jesse Ed Davis dedication by John Trudell in acceptance of Living Legend Award at 1st Inaugural Awards
Buffy Sainte Marie Best Pop Artist, 1st Inagural Native American Music Awards;
Everyone Wins! Congratulations Taboo, Spencer & Doc Battiest, Supaman & the rest of the Magnificent 7. for MTV's BEST FIGHT AGAINST THE SYSTEM Winner: Taboo ft. Shailene Woodley – “Stand Up / Stand N Rock #NoDAPL”,
Our recordings span from historical initiatives, to present day questions for the great leaders, and Native youth speaking louder than ever with their powerful raps about their poignant plights armed with a spirit of undaunted perseverance. No other organization can reflect such an impressive and diverse array of talent and soundscapes from all ages and tribal nations throughout the Americas.”
Founder/President
NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS
The Native American Music Awards & Association is the World's Leading Resource for Contemporary and Traditional Native American Music Initiatives & Entertainers consisting of over 40,000 registered voting members and professionals in the field of Native American music and entertainment. We hold the largest Native American Music archive featuring a collection of over 10,000 audio and video recordings in all formats housed since 1990.
The Annual Native American Music Awards proudly honors the outstanding achievements of Native American performers from across the country in over 30 Awards categories. Since our inception in 1998, NAMA continues to foster pride, provide national exposure, and celebrate the gift of music tradition with others around the world.
It has been our personal and volunteer contributions, not to mention, our determination and dedication, that continually creates this magical evening of pride and musical excellence. None of this would be possible if not for our tireless volunteer staff, our national membership and the support of our donors. To all of you, we thank you. Next year, together, we celebrate 20 amazing years together.
