Music Blogs

Last year on this blog I published a Thanksgiving playlist that was rooted in popular music. This year I wanted to do another Thanksgiving-themed list, but the selection of available songs in the pop music universe are slim. So I thought I would take the holiday to heart.

In the United States Thanksgiving is celebrated on the 4th Thursday in November to coincide with the harvest. It's a time when we should all give thanks for our material possessions, personal and familial relationships and spiritual roots. But like most holidays we celebrate in a modern society, the true meaning tends to get lost along the way.

One of the great stories of an early Thanksgiving in America was when a native Patuxet tribe member named Squanto taught Pilgrims how to fend for themselves by growing corn and catching eel. This enabled them to get through an extremely harsh winter. The story is deep on so many levels, but this Thanksgiving let's remember those native Americans who showed such kindness. Today, more than ever, we have much to learn from a culture which has been mostly eradicated by the colonization of this continent. The Native American loyalty to family, respect for their elders, and their complete understanding of the interconnectivity of life can help us all reflect on what is truly important.

As we head into further economic darkness where many are worried about their future, lets remember what we should be thankful for.

Native Americans were thankful for every bite of food, every drink of water, every sun-filled day and every member of their tribe. Are you?

Why not let this traditional native American playlist help set the mood this Thanksgiving?

A Native American Tribute To Thanksgiving

   1. Turkey Song - Irene Chalepah Poolaw    

   2. Eagle Dance - (traditional)   

   3. Bear Song - Lil' Bear Singers   

   4. Sunrise Prayer - Douglas Spotted Eagle  

   5. Round Dance Song - Joseph Fire Crow   

   6. Shaman's Call - R. Carlos Nakai   

   7. Navajo Gift Dance Song - American Indian Ensemble   

   8. Navahoe Boy - (traditional)   

   9. Deer Dance - (traditional)   

   10. Kokopelli - Dr. Jeff Martindale   

   11. The Dance Of The Buffalo - (traditional)   

   12. Northern Drum Beat - (traditional)