Explore Native American Music

Explore Native American Music

Native American Music

Native American music is more than just a form of artistic expression; it is a living connection to culture, tradition, and community. At the heart of this music lies the powerful rhythms of the drum, the central pulse of Pow Wows, and ceremonies that brings people together. 

While Pow Wow music is often what comes to mind when thinking of Native American sounds, the influence of Indigenous musicians extends far beyond traditional drumming and singing. Native artists are making waves across all genres—from rock and country to jazz and rap—infusing their music with unique cultural flair. These musicians continue to gain recognition in the industry, earning awards and inspiring new generations with their innovative sounds.

Explore this rich musical landscape, from the timeless Pow Wow songs to the latest hits by Native artists. Dive into the vibrant world of Native American music through our dedicated content, streaming radio stations, and videos celebrating the heartbeat of Indigenous culture.


Pow Wow Music

When most people think of Native American music, you immediately think about Pow Wow or ceremonial songs.  One of the most important things in the life of a Native American is the Drum. Our whole culture centers around the Drum. Without the Drum and the singers around it, the Native Americans could not have pow wows.

The Drum brings the heartbeat of our Earth Mother to the Pow Wow for all to feel and hear. Drumming brings everyone back into balance. Whether dancing, singing or just listening, people around the Drum can connect with spirit.

Pow Wow drums are lead by a head singer.  Being head singer is a great honor. The man who receives this honor is chosen for his experience.  He has the right to lead all songs unless he chooses other men to lead and help carry the load. The head singer may open the Drum at his discretion. This means anyone may lead songs at any time.

Songs are started with a lead line sung by the head singer. This lets the Drum and the dancers know what song is coming. After the lead line, the second (another person at the Drum) will take up the lead line, and everyone will join in with him. At this point, the dancers begin to dance.

The loud beats during the songs sometimes called “honor beats” are a time for dancers to honor the Drum. In Northern Singing, these beats are generally during the verses. For Southern Singing, the honor beats are generally between verses.



Listen to Pow Wow music on our streaming Pow Wow Radio.

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Native American Music

Native American musicians sing and perform in all genres of music – rock, country, jazz, rap, and more.  Many of these artists bring a bit of Native flair to their style of music making it more personal to them.  Natives have been recognized with Grammys, MTV Video Music Awards, and more.

Listen to Native American music on our streaming Native Music Radio station.

Watch the videos below to see just a few of our Native American musicians.

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Listen to Native American Music On Spotify

Best Selling Native American Music

Bestseller No. 1
Native Visions: A Native American Music Journey
  • Shrink-wrapped
  • Audio CD – Audiobook
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 02/26/2013 (Publication Date) - Green Hill Productions (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 2
Mythic Dreamer
  • Audio CD – Audiobook
  • Canyon Records (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 3
Gratitude: Relaxing Native American Flute Music
  • Audio CD – Audiobook
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 04/13/2010 (Publication Date) - Sequoia Records (Publisher)

Native American Music Awards

There are two music award shows each year.

The Indigenous Music Awards are awarded each May in Winnipeg, Manitoba as part of the Manito Ahbee Festival.

The Native American Music Awards (Nammys) are awarded in October at the Seneca Niagra Resort and Casino.


Native American Music Most Popular Articles

Read more about Native American music in our section dedicated to music!

Native American Music Articles


Pow Wow Singing Videos

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Listen to Pow Wow Music on Spotify

Best Selling Pow Wow Music

Bestseller No. 1
Pow-wow Songs Recorded Live
  • Audio CD – Audiobook
  • French (Publication Language)
  • Canyon Records (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 2
Pow Wow Songs
  • Produced and annotated by Charlotte Heth, a member of the Cherokee nation of Oklahoma and a noted ethnomusicologist.
  • Audio CD – Audiobook
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 12/08/1992 (Publication Date) - New World Records (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 3
Gathering of Nations Pow-Wow 1999 (2001 GRAMMY WINNER)
  • Audio CD – Audiobook
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 05/23/2000 (Publication Date) - Soar Records (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 4
Medicine Horse - Pow-Wow Songs Recorded Live At ASU
  • Audio CD – Audiobook
  • Canyon Records (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 5
Past, Present, Future - Pow-Wow Songs Recorded Live
  • Audio CD – Audiobook
  • Canyon Records (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 6
Red Dress Special - Pow-Wow Songs
  • Audio CD – Audiobook
  • Canyon Records (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 7
Peppers Pow Wow
  • Audio CD – Audiobook
  • Wounded Bird Records (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 8
Kid's Pow-wow Songs
  • Audio CD – Audiobook
  • Canyon Records (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 9
Heartbeat of the People: Music and Dance of the Northern Pow-wow (Music in American Life)
  • Browner, Tara (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 200 Pages - 03/17/2004 (Publication Date) - University of Illinois Press (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 10

 

Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by Paul G


2 Comments on “Explore Native American Music”

  • Avatar for Rodney Sizemore

    Rodney Sizemore

    says:

    Hawa, I love alot of stuff ! It’s beautiful ! I have ordered a pow wow life t-shirt & stickers ! I hope to someday afford a pendulum blanket !
    Thank you,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ROD

  • Avatar for Diana

    Diana

    says:

    All of your products are very luxurious and I would be very grateful to win any of them… Thank you

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