Interviewed by Jenica Schoolcraft., Native Digest Correspondent
Joanne Shenandoah, Iroquois, is a member of the Wolf Clan in the Oneida nation. Joanne mixes an interesting combination of modes in her music to convey a passionate, resonate feeling to anyone who will open their hearts to listen. Joanne has recorded more than 15 albums and won more than 40 awards for her contribution into the world of music. Most recently, she has won the 2009 Best Compilation Recording (Bitter Tears Sacred Ground, NAMMY) and Best Folk Recording (Bitter Tears, Indian Summer Music Awards).
Joanne was raised by her parents, Maisie Shenandoah, Wolf Clanmother of the Oneida Nation, and Clifford Shenandoah, an Onondaga Nation chief, both of whom were also talented musicians. Joanne’s parents inspired and supported her love of music by singing together as a family both on and off the stage at an early age. Joanne still keeps these memories of her parents very close to her heart, it is a passion and a feeling that Joanne translates for the rest of the world.
Joanne has written and performed a multitude of works with a grand amount of amazing other artists, such as Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Bruce Cockburn and Robbie Robertson to name a few. Some of her works include “Skywoman,” a symphony she wrote that premiered in 2002 at the Syracuse Symphony, starred in the film “The Last Winter” (released in 2007), she released her fifteenth album in 2008 “Bitter Tears: Sacred Ground” a compilation that involves the famed talents of Michael Bucher, and an impressive amount of more work that is worth checking out.
NativeDigest.com would like to thank Joanne Shenandoah for taking the time out of her busy schedule to allow us an exclusive interview. It has been a pleasure for the staff to speak with Joanne and to learn more about her humble spirit.
JS: Both of your parents are musicians and so growing up around them, would you say that they influenced you to be a musician? How do your parents inspire you?
Joanne: Most definitely! My dad was a jazz guitarist and played with Duke Ellington. He and my mom had me on stage at a very early age. I recall winning a talent contest in the 3rd grade - singing "September in the Rain" by Marty Robbins. My mom also played piano. I continued to play for her about 3 times a week up until December 2 when she passed away here in my home, just a short time ago. I played for her and sang to her before she crossed over. My dad died at a young age, but I remember most evenings were spent singing and learning songs which I still carry with me.
“Click to listen”
JS: I was listening to samples of your music and was thrilled to find that it’s a variety of genres. For example, your World album seems to have more of a modern country feel as where All Spirits Sing seems to be closer to native roots and utilizes the method of story-telling. Who or what are you reaching out to when you sing?
Joanne: I was so blessed to have a mom and dad who were incredibly talented and I learned many genres of music growing up, from Patsy Cline, to Sam Cook, Hank Williams and Billy Holiday. I also learned from them about my rich Iroquois heritage and the songs which celebrate life. I am reaching out to all who will listen. My music does not discriminate. It is meant for all ages, all religions and all who love the magic and healing which music brings to the soul.
Joanne at the Haw Eom Temple South Korea
JS: You’ve collaborated with a lot of famous people and have done some fantastic work with them as well as recreating music like As Long as the Grass Shall Grow, by Johnny Cash, to make it your own. What is the methodology, the logistics of picking who to collaborate with or what to recreate?
Photo contributed by Thomas Donley
Joanne: Again, my life has been blessed. I believe there are no coincidences and different people come into our lives for obvious reasons. It is not always evident at first, but eventually, one can see the light and realizes the beauty in collaborations which most times seem completely effortless. I have had such a variety of folks I've worked with, but always been ready and willing to learn as much as I am able and hope to contribute something which will affect those who hear the final outcome. I believe we were created so that it is hard to scratch our own back...we need each other to make beautiful songs.
JS: I watched your interview with RezStyle and was moved by how humble you are. I noticed you had your arm around the back of Kimberlie Acosta’s chair, as though you were so comfortable; listening to you speak was inspiring as though you are completely comfortable with people and seem to be in awe of just being alive—something many people take for granted. Where does your compassion come from?
Joanne: To quote a favorite phrase: "Compassion, forgiveness, these are the real, ultimate sources of power for peace and success in life." (Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama b. 1935)
JS: Congratulations on your 2009 Best Compilation Recording (Bitter Tears Sacred Ground, NAMMY) and Best Folk Recording (Bitter Tears, Indian Summer Music Awards). You have earned over 40 awards during your career, how does it feel each time you win an award?
Joanne: The transformation of the spirit is award enough. I have been so gifted to experience this thousands of times while singing to to others.
Woodstock 94’
JS: You are known very well for your work in music, what else, though, is meaningful to you? In other words, do you have any other hobbies that you’re passionate about?
Joanne: Yes, I am very passionate about our youth. It is a great joy to see them recognize their Creator given gifts. The Iroquois believe each and every one of us have a special gift or talent and if shared with the world with a good mind, our planet will be better for it.
JS: Do you have any new projects coming up? If so, what are they?
Joanne: I'm attaching my latest press release on "Enchanted Garden" with Sheila Applegate (a collaboration with Sheila and my daughter Leah). Also, a website of a new project I am included on with Arlo Guthrie "Music for a Nuclear Free Future": nuclearfree.com I am planning a new cd to record in the spring which I pray will open the heart and awaken the souls of those who listen.
“Click to listen”
JS: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Joanne: I was transformed about 20 years ago. I was working in the DC area when I was uprooted as I saw a huge 200 year old tree being cut down out side of my rose colored window office. I was reminded very vividly as I watched the terrific film "Avatar" tonight. Our mother earth is in serious need of healing. We all have our part and our responsibility. I am hoping that the music I create will continue to touch the hearts and souls of those who take a moment to listen to the rhythm of our earth songs and join me in celebrating life and making a better world for those unborn who will follow us.
I believe I mention about our Creator given gifts and how a visionary had told me many years ago about my responsibilities which came along with my gifts. I am to use my gift to bring healing, but through our stories and cultural heritage. When traveling throughout the world, I am honored to bring the story of Hiawatha and our Peacemaker.
It was the "Dark Time", a time of war, violence and pestilence. Hiawatha was visited by our Peacemaker. We are told of his journeys from village to village as he believed we could live without war and become united for a better world for our children. Hiawatha angered an evil chief named "Tadadaho" who murdered all of Hiawatha's children. Hiawatha was so grieved. He sat by this lake for days with his heart on the ground. We are told his sadness was so great that all the ducks who flew on to the lake near him, quickly flew away taking all the water in the lake with them. His eyes turned to this beautiful shell which he carved some beads from, and it was from this shell he created a new ceremony to lift our grief by offering forgiveness to those who have done such great damage to us.
Again, thank you Joanne for giving me some of your time. I personally, along with NativeDigest.com hope for your continued success and fruition. Thank you again.
Please visit www.joanneshenandoah.com to learn more about Shenandoah. We would also like to express our thanks to Thomas Donley for contributing some of the photo’s used in this article. Please visit thomasdonley.com to view more of Thomas’s work.
Photo contributed by Thomas Donley
The shell is white on one side and turns into a deep purple on one side. The white part represents purity and the deep purple our bruising or pain. Hiawatha forgave the evil chief and it was then our Iroquois Confederacy was born. It is said all the weapons were thrown under the roots of a big white pine tree. On top of this Tree of Peace stands an Eagle who is our protector. When the Eagle Calls out or cries out we are to gather as one and stand around this tree with our hands together, so this tree will not fall. We believe it is possible to live without war and invite all those who will join us to help keep this tree upright, so we will have peace upon the land.
