Watch Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World

Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World is a documentary film from 2017 that explores the untold story of how Native American musicians have influenced and transformed the modern music industry. Directed by Catherine Bainbridge and Alfonso Maiorana, the movie features interviews with music legends such as George Clinton, Robbie Robertson, and Gary Giddins, as well as performances by some of the most influential Native American musicians of all time.

From the very beginning, Rumble sets out to challenge the common misconception that Native American music is all about traditional drumming and chanting. Instead, the film argues that Native Americans have played an instrumental role in shaping the sound of modern popular music, from blues and rock to hip-hop and electronic dance music. The film delves into the lives and careers of groundbreaking artists like Link Wray, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Jimi Hendrix, and Robbie Robertson, highlighting their unique talents and the challenges they faced as Native American musicians in a predominantly white industry.

Throughout the film, we hear from various musicians and music experts about the impact that Native American music has had on contemporary genres. George Clinton, for example, discusses the influence of Native American melodies and rhythms on the funk music he and Parliament-Funkadelic pioneered in the 1970s. Meanwhile, rock legend Robbie Robertson reflects on his own ancestry and the way that Native American culture has shaped his music throughout his career. Gary Giddins, a prominent jazz critic, also weighs in on the topic, noting the influence of Native American rhythms on early jazz music in the 20th century.

One of the most powerful aspects of Rumble is the way that it highlights the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Native Americans, which have often been overlooked in mainstream culture. The film features performances by a range of musicians from different indigenous communities, showcasing the unique sounds and rhythms of their music. We hear old recordings of Link Wray's distorted electric guitar, a sound that would go on to inspire the likes of Pete Townshend and Jimmy Page. We see Buffy Sainte-Marie perform her groundbreaking protest song "Now That the Buffalo's Gone," which she wrote in response to the forced relocation of Native Americans. And we witness the raw power and intensity of Jimi Hendrix's guitar playing, which was infused with elements of Cherokee heritage.

At the same time, the film is also a poignant look at the struggles that Native American musicians have faced in their quest for recognition and acceptance. The film highlights the way that Native American culture has been appropriated, marginalized, and even erased from popular culture over the years. We learn about Link Wray's battles with racism, poverty, and alcoholism, which left him largely unrecognized by the mainstream music industry until long after his death. We hear about Jimi Hendrix's experience of growing up as a mixed-race Native American in Seattle, where he faced discrimination and prejudice from both white and black communities. And we see how Buffy Sainte-Marie fought back against attempts to silence her music and her activism, including being blacklisted by the U.S. government during the Vietnam War.

Overall, Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on an often overlooked and misunderstood aspect of American music history. Through its powerful interviews, stunning performances, and rich storytelling, the film celebrates the resilience, creativity, and spirit of Native American musicians, while also highlighting the ongoing struggles that they face in a music industry that is still far from inclusive or equitable.

Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World is a 2017 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 73.