John Trudell Biography

John Trudell is an acclaimed poet, national recording artist, actor and activist whose international following reflects the universal language of his words, work and message. Trudell (Santee Sioux) was a spokesperson for the Indian of All Tribes occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969 to 1971. He then worked with the American Indian Movement (AIM), serving as Chairman of AIM from 1973 to 1979. In February of 1979, a fire of unknown origin killed Trudellís wife, three children and mother-in-law. It was through this horrific tragedy that Trudell began to find his voice as an artist and poet, writing, in his words, to stay connected to this reality. In 1982, Trudell began recording his poetry to traditional Native music and in 1983 he released his debut album Tribal Voice on his own Peace Company label. Trudell then teamed up with the late legendary Kiowa guitarist Jesse Ed Davis. Together, they recorded three albums during the 1980's. The first of these, AKA Graffiti Man, was released in 1986 and dubbed the best album of the year by Bob Dylan. AKA Graffiti Man served early notice of Trudellís singular ability to express fundamental truths through a unique mix of poetry, Native music, blues and rock. Since that time, Trudell has released six more albums plus a digitally re-mastered collection of his early Peace Company cassettes. His latest CD, Bone Days, was executive produced by Academy Award winning actress Angelina Jolie and released on the Daemon Records label in 2002. In addition to his music career, Trudell has played roles in a number of feature films, including Thunderheart and Smoke Signals. He most recently played Coyote in Hallmarkís made for television movie, Dreamkeeper.