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	Philip Broken Leg with gourd rattle, water-drum	02:22
103	Love Song (1)	Benjamin Sitting Up	00:57
104	Sun Dance	Benjamin Sitting Up, Ellis Chips, and John Long Commander	01:34
105	Omaha Dance	Benjamin Sitting Up, Ellis Chips, drummers, dancers with bells	01:33
106	Love Song (2)	John Coloff	00:56
107	Honoring Song	Mixed Sioux singers, drummer	02:01
201	Riding Song	Mixed Navajo chorus	01:49
202	Song of Happiness	Fort Wingate Indian School: Mr. I.D. Taubeneck's demonstration class	01:12
203	Spinning Dance (1)	Julia Deal	00:45
204	Spinning Dance (2)	Julia Deal	00:58
205	Corn Grinding Song	Female Navajo singer, basket-drum player	01:01
206	Squaw Dance	Ambrose, Chester, and Tom Roanhorse	01:41
207	Silversmith's Song	Ambrose Roanhorse	01:10
208	Night Chant	Male Navajo chorus led by Sandoval Begay with gourd rattles	02:59