The year 2005 marked a significant milestone in the recognition and celebration of Native American musical artistry with the highly anticipated arrival of The Seventh Annual Native American Music Awards. This prestigious event, held on Thursday, February 10th, 2005, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, promised an extraordinary and unprecedented showcase of contemporary music created by Native American artists. The awards, affectionately known as the "Nammys," have steadily grown in stature, evolving into a pivotal platform for honoring the diverse and vibrant musical landscape of Native America.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, a prominent entertainment destination in South Florida, provided a fitting backdrop for this momentous occasion. Known for its opulent accommodations, diverse dining options, and thriving nightlife, the Hard Rock served as an ideal venue to host an event dedicated to celebrating artistic excellence and cultural heritage.
A Night of Celebration and Recognition
The Seventh Annual Native American Music Awards ceremony was designed as an immersive experience, featuring over 30 award presentations spanning various musical genres. From traditional melodies to contemporary rock, blues, and hip-hop, the Nammys sought to encompass the breadth and depth of Native American musical expression. In addition to the awards presentations, the program included ten live music performances, showcasing the talents of both established and emerging artists.
The organizers aimed to make the 2005 Nammys the most innovative and visually advanced production in the organization’s history. This commitment to excellence reflected the growing recognition and respect for Native American music within the broader music industry. The awards show was lauded for maintaining "all the professionalism and production values of much larger events like the Grammy Awards and the American Music Awards," as noted by the American Federation of Radio Television Artists, solidifying its place as a premier event in the music calendar.
The Awards show was a limited seating event held in the Hard Rock’s Club Showroom, creating an intimate and exclusive atmosphere for attendees. A post-show VIP party was planned for later that evening, providing an opportunity for artists, industry professionals, and supporters to connect and celebrate the accomplishments of the evening. Tickets for the event were priced at $100.00 and went on sale January 14th at 12 Noon at the Hard Rock Casino box office and all Ticketmaster outlets.
Nominees: A Diverse Tapestry of Talent
Ellen Bello, Founder/CEO of the Native American Music Awards, expressed her excitement about the diverse range of nominees, stating, "This year’s nominees feature an eclectic mix of exciting and young artists to the more seasoned musicians who are taking their creative abilities to another level."
The nominees for The Seventh Annual Native American Music Awards represented a broad spectrum of musical styles, tribal affiliations, and levels of experience. Among the leading contenders were:
- Felipe Rose: Best known as a member of the iconic Village People, Rose received four nominations for his solo recording, "Red Hawk Woman." This recognition highlighted Rose’s ability to transcend genre boundaries and create music that resonated with both Native American and mainstream audiences.
- Douglas Blue Feather: Another prominent nominee, Blue Feather, garnered nominations for his album "Star Nations." His music often incorporates traditional Native American instruments and themes, blended with contemporary production techniques.
- Jim Boyd: A respected musician and storyteller, Jim Boyd, representing the Smoke Signals, secured three nominations, recognizing his contributions to Native American music and culture.
- Mary Youngblood: A Grammy Award winner, Youngblood continued to receive accolades for her exceptional flute playing and her ability to evoke a sense of connection to the natural world.
- Joy Harjo: A celebrated sax player and poet, Joy Harjo earned three nominations, reflecting her ability to seamlessly blend music and spoken word in her performances.
- Yarina: Hailing from South America, Yarina’s nominations showcased the growing international recognition of Native American music and its ability to connect with audiences across cultural boundaries.
- Qua Ti Si: Representing Nashville, Qua Ti Si’s nominations demonstrated the presence of Native American artists within the country music scene, bridging cultural traditions with contemporary sounds.
Other notable nominees included Annie Humphrey, Blackfire, Brian Hammill, Burnt, Cozad, Eli Secody, 10-year-old Evren Ozan, Jay Nez, Jimmy Lee Young, Joanne Shenandoah, former Shalamar member Micki Free, No Two Horns, Northern Cree, R. Carlos Nakai, Rain Song, Randy Wood, Tha Tribe, Thunderbeat, Walela, and local act Tiger Tiger. The complete list of nominees was available on the Nammys website, www.nammys.com, providing a comprehensive overview of the talent being honored.
The Selection Process: Ensuring Fairness and Inclusivity
The selection process for the Nammys was designed to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Over 150 national music recordings were submitted for nomination consideration for The Seventh Annual Native American Music Awards. Nominee submissions were made by the NAMA Advisory and Industry members.
Eligible recordings had to be commercially released between April 1, 2003, and June 30, 2004, and have national distribution, ensuring that the nominated works were widely accessible to the public.
Winners were determined through a combination of membership mail-in ballots and a national voting campaign open to the general public through a listen and vote system on the Nammys’ website. This approach allowed both industry professionals and fans to participate in the selection process, ensuring that the awards reflected a broad consensus of opinion.
A Legacy of Recognition and Support
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was the newest location for this annual awards show that has been held in front of sold-out audiences in theatres and amphitheaters throughout the Southwest, Midwest and Northeast.
The Native American Music Awards has a rich history of honoring and recognizing exceptional talent. Previous honorees and award recipients include legendary figures such as Robbie Robertson, R. Carlos Nakai, Crystal Gayle, Kitty Wells, Rita Coolidge, Neville Brothers, Indigenous, Joanne Shenandoah, Robert Mirabal, Bill Miller, and the late Jimi Hendrix. These individuals have made significant contributions to music and have inspired generations of artists.
The Awards show was created to provide greater national awareness and recognition for Native America’s growing and diverse musical talent. It has received wide critical praise from both national and international media such as; USA Today, Associated Press, CNN, Wall Street Journal, Billboard Magazine, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, La Voce Italiana and France’s International Herald Tribune. The Awards organization also assisted in the creation of a Native music Grammy category in 2001 and continues to maintain the nation’s largest Native American music archive.
The Venue: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is South Florida’s leading entertainment destination with an average daily payout of $5.9 million. The 500-room hotel offers several restaurants and lounges, a 16,000 sq. ft. grand ballroom, a full-service, European-style spa and an adjacent complex of 22 retail shops, nine restaurants and 10 nightclubs.
A Collaborative Effort
The Native American Music Awards and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, extended their sincerest congratulations to this year’s nominees. The Seventh Annual Native American Music Awards was sponsored by The Seminole Tribe of Florida, The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Native Radio, Zavacom Productions, and Star Seeker Entertainment.