The Black Lodge Singers stand as a monumental force in the vibrant world of pow-wow music. For decades, this Northern-style drum group has captivated audiences across the United States and Canada with their powerful vocals, intricate rhythms, and unwavering dedication to preserving and innovating within their cultural traditions. Their presence is highly sought after at pow-wows, where they often serve as a host drum, setting the tone and spirit for the entire gathering. With a discography boasting over thirty albums, the Black Lodge Singers have solidified their legacy as one of the most respected and influential ensembles in Native American music.
A Family Tradition Rooted in the Plains and Plateau
The story of the Black Lodge Singers is deeply intertwined with family, heritage, and the powerful connection to their ancestral lands. The group is led by Kenny Scabby Robe, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, and his wife Louise, who hails from the Yakama Nation. This union of two distinct tribes, one from the Plains and the other from the Plateau region, has enriched the group’s musical tapestry, creating a sound that resonates with both traditions. Crucially, the core of the Black Lodge Singers is comprised of Kenny and Louise’s twelve sons, forming a unified vocal force that is both harmonious and commanding.
The group’s home base is White Swan, Washington, a town situated within the Yakama Nation. This location serves as a constant reminder of their roots and a source of inspiration for their music. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and sacred sites, echoes in the rhythms and melodies they create, grounding their art in a profound sense of place.
Kenny Scabby Robe: A Leading Voice and Song Maker
At the heart of the Black Lodge Singers‘ success is Kenny Scabby Robe, a highly respected figure on the pow-wow circuit. He is renowned not only for his powerful lead vocals but also for his exceptional talent as a song maker. His compositions, deeply rooted in Blackfeet tradition, capture the spirit of the Plains people, telling stories of their history, culture, and connection to the land.
Following in their father’s footsteps, two of Kenny’s sons, John and Elgin, have also emerged as prolific song makers. Their contributions have added new layers to the group’s repertoire, blending traditional elements with contemporary sensibilities. The unique vocal qualities of John and Elgin further enhance the Black Lodge Singers‘ distinctive sound, creating a dynamic interplay of voices that is both captivating and inspiring.
Northern Plains Music with a Contemporary Twist
The Black Lodge Singers specialize in the traditional Native American Northern Plains music, a genre characterized by its driving rhythms, soaring vocals, and profound spiritual depth. Their performances are a testament to the power of collective singing, as the twelve members gather around a large, sacred buffalo drum, each beating a steady rhythm that forms the foundation of their sound. The songs are primarily sung in the Blackfoot language, preserving and celebrating the rich linguistic heritage of the Blackfeet Nation.
While deeply rooted in tradition, the Black Lodge Singers are not afraid to experiment and innovate. They have incorporated contemporary elements into their music, creating a sound that appeals to a wide range of audiences. Perhaps their most notable foray into contemporary music is their work on children’s song albums. These albums feature traditional Native American melodies intertwined with English lyrics, creating a fun and educational experience for children of all backgrounds. These albums have proven to be immensely popular, introducing Native American music to a new generation and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Accolades and Recognition
The Black Lodge Singers‘ dedication to their craft has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. They have received multiple Native American Music Awards, including Best Powwow Album in 1998, Debut Group in 2000, and Best Powwow Music in 2004. These awards are a testament to their musical excellence and their significant contributions to the Native American music scene.
In 1994, the Black Lodge Singers achieved a milestone by becoming Grammy Award finalists in the Best Traditional Folk Album category for their collaboration with R. Carlos Nakai and William Eaton on the album, Ancestral Voices. This nomination brought their music to a wider audience and solidified their position as leading figures in the world of traditional music.
The group received further Grammy nominations in the Native American category in 2001 for "Tribute To The Elders", in 2002 for "Weasel Tail’s Dream" and again in 2006 for More Kids Pow Wow Songs by Black Lodge. These nominations underscore the Black Lodge Singers‘ consistent excellence and their ability to create music that resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Beyond Pow-Wows: Collaborations and Performances
The Black Lodge Singers‘ musical journey extends far beyond the pow-wow circuit. They have collaborated with a diverse range of artists and organizations, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of their music. One notable collaboration was with the Phoenix Symphony, where they performed in the world debut of "Native Drumming," a classical composition written specifically for their drum, voices, and orchestra. This groundbreaking performance bridged the gap between Native American music and classical music, creating a unique and powerful artistic experience. The composer, James DeMars, took the time to visit the Black Lodge Singers at their home pow-wow in White Swan, Washington, to observe their singing style and song structure to inform his composition.
Since Kenny Scabby Robe founded the group in 1982, the Black Lodge Singers have shared their music with audiences around the world. They have performed for dignitaries, including Pope John Paul II, and have played with rock stars, bringing their unique sound to diverse venues and audiences. Their dedication to preserving and promoting their cultural heritage has made them ambassadors of Native American music, fostering understanding and appreciation for their rich traditions.
The Heart of the Music: Family and Feeling
The enduring success of the Black Lodge Singers lies not only in their musical talent but also in the strong family bonds that unite them. Robert Doyle, president of Canyon Records, has remarked on the "uniformity of their singing and the tightness of it," attributing it to the fact that "they have been singing to each other such a long time." This familial connection is evident in their performances, creating a sense of unity and harmony that is both palpable and inspiring.
The story of how the Black Lodge Singers came to be is a testament to the power of family and the importance of preserving cultural traditions. As Kenny Scabby Robe recalls, his sons’ desire to attend a pow-wow led him to suggest that they participate by singing and dancing. This seemingly off-hand remark sparked a musical journey that has spanned decades and touched countless lives.
From the beginning, the Black Lodge Singers have approached their music with a deep sense of spirituality and a commitment to sharing their culture with the world. As John Scabby Robe explains, "We don’t sing for the glory or the hype or the recognition. We’re singing from the heart for all the people out there. It’s feeling music that helps spiritually and mentally." This dedication to their craft and their unwavering commitment to their community have made the Black Lodge Singers a true treasure of Native American music.