Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World

Rumble


Rumble

This review was originally published as part of my coverage for Hot Docs 2017


The indigenous contributions to music history are revealed in . In 1907, the first recording of native music was made, since it was believed that the culture of the First Nation’s community would disappear. However, as it turns out, the indigenous community have made quite on music history. From the influential rifts of Link Wray’s to Jimi Hendrix’s celebration of his Cherokee roots, the native influence permeates through music of all genres.

Named after the 1958 rock instrumental by Shawnee rock guitarist Link Wray, which influenced the likes of Slash, , and Townsend, Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World is an eye opening look at how ingrained into music history the First Nation’s community is. Going as far back as African American/Choctaw blue guitarist Patton in the 1920s, Rumble features examples of musicians from all genres, whose native ancestry might not be immediately apparent, particularly since opted to hide this part of themselves.

I have to admit that I was surprised that some of artists featured Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World had native ancestry, particularly Robbie Robertson of The Band, who has a Mohawk background. Produced by Apache guitarist Stevie Salas and directed by Catherine Bainbridge (Reel Injun), Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the world is a film that really shows how much indigenous culture has permeated into the history of popular music.

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Sean Patrick Kelly

Sean Patrick Kelly is a Toronto-based freelance film critic and blogger with a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Media Studies from York University. Since founding his site in 2004, Sean has shared his passion for cinema through insightful reviews and commentary. His work has also been featured in prominent outlets, including Toronto Film Scene, HuffPost Canada, Screen Anarchy, ScreenRant, and Rue Morgue Magazine.

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