NPR

'Rumble' Celebrates Rock 'N' Roll's Native American Roots

The documentary discusses Link Wray, Jimi Hendrix and other Native American artists who helped shape rock's sound. Guitarist and executive producer Stevie Salas says it's "a film about heroes."
Rock musician and Native American music pioneer Stevie Salas performing in Germany in 2010. Salas served as executive producer on <em>Rumble</em>, which he was also featured in.

In 1958, the guitar riff known as "Rumble" shocked audiences. Its use of distortion and bass made it sound dangerous and transgressive to audiences at the time — and its influence is still heard today. Behind that song was a Native American musician named , who went on to inspire legions of rock 'n' roll greats. He's featured in a new documentary called , which aims to finally give Native American musicians their due.

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