Music of the Sioux and the Navajo

This 1949 album was recorded by American ethnomusicologist Willard Rhodes (190—1992) with the cooperation of The United States Office of Indian Affairs. The selection from the Sioux community of the Dakotas include a Rabbit Dance and other love songs, a Sun Dance, and an Honoring (or public recognition) Song. The Navajo tribes of the Southwest are highlighted through songs such as a Riding Song, a children’s Song of Happiness, a female Spinning Dance, and the distinctive Night Chant, sung in male falsetto. Rhodes provided an introductory essay and track notes.

Track Listing

101	Rabbit Dance	Benjamin Sitting Up, Lucy Randall, Paul High Horse, Oliver Standing Bear and Jonas Quiver	03:15
102	Peyote Cult Song	Male Sioux singer with gourd rattle, water-drum player	02:22
103	Love Song	Male Sioux singer	00:57
104	Sun Dance	Male Sioux chorus, eagle-bone whistle player, drummers	01:34
105	Omaha Dance	Male Sioux chorus, drummers, dancers with bells	01:33
106	Love Song	John Coloff	00:56
107	Honoring Song	not listed	02:01
201	Riding Song	Mixed Navajo chorus	01:49
202	Song of Happiness	Fort Wingate Indian School	01:12
203	Spinning Dance	Julia Deal	00:45
204	Spinning Dance	Julia Deal	00:58
205	Corn Grinding Song	Female Navajo singer, basket-drum player	01:01
206	Squaw Dance	Male Navajo chorus, drummers	01:41
207	Silversmith's Song	Ambrose Roan Horse	01:10
208	Night Chant	Male Navajo chorus with gourd rattles	02:59