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The most surprising aspect of Catherine Bainbridge’s inspired documentary about the contributions of Native Americans to popular music is that the story hasn’t been told until now. It seems fitting that rock guitar groundbreaker Link Wray’s hard-bitten image graces the film’s title and poster.
That Wray’s indelible influence on music and culture arrived from a swampy instrumental number so menacing that “Rumble” (from 1958) was banned from radio play in many regions of the country, speaks to the deep-seeded nature of Indian culture and its ability to affect action.
It follows that the intrinsically rebellious “Rumble” incited musicians such as Iggy Pop and Pete Townsend to take up rock music as a way to make their way in the world.
This documentary has its share of surprises as with the ‘30s era jazz singer Mildred Bailey whose influence on crooners such as Tony Bennett comes part and parcel to the rich musical narrative at hand. While the inclusion of Mississippi blues guitarist Charley Patton might present young viewers with a fresh musical history lesson, Jimi Hendrix’s presence as a child of Cherokee descent will seal the deal.
The Band’s Robbie Robertson, Redbone’s Pat Vegas, gifted guitarist Jesse Ed Davis, and Buffy Sainte-Marie are a few of the other essential Native America musicians whose stories get their due in this dynamic and loving documentary. Every course on American music should necessarily include “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World.”
Not Rated. 103 mins.
