Floyd Westerman

Floyd Westerman, a man of many roles, was most famously a musician whose life and work served as a harmonious bridge connecting traditional Native American music with contemporary sounds. Born on August 17, 1936, on the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Dakota Sioux reservation in South Dakota, Westerman (also known as Red Crow) would evolve into a prominent voice in the arena of indigenous rights and cultural representation, in addition to his contributions to music and acting. Westerman's music career took root in traditions that were seeded by the stories and songs of his community. His early exposure to this rich oral tradition would later deeply inform his artistic output. As a youth, he attended Wahpeton Indian School, where he was said to have learned to play instruments not common in the indigenous musical tradition, such as the guitar, which would become a staple in his work. His debut album, "Custer Died for Your Sins" released in 1969, is perhaps his most influential and was an embodiment of political activism woven into musical narrative. The title track, which draws from Vine Deloria Jr.'s book of the same name, criticizes historical injustices against Native Americans and reflects the zeitgeist of the civil rights movements that were reshaping America's social landscape. Westerman's vocals, accompanied by his folk-infused instrumentation, carved out a poignant space within a broader musical milieu that included figures like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. His work was considered part of the protest music era, addressing themes of social justice, identity, and resistance. While his music career may be less chronicled than his acting roles, it encapsulated a nuanced portrayal of Native American struggles and resilience. His second album, "Indian Country" (1970), continued this thematic exploration, featuring narrative-driven songs like "Here Comes the Anthros" and "Where Were You When," further cementing his role as both a historian and an advocate through the power of song. Westerman's presence was not confined to the traditional spaces of folk and protest music. His voice was clear and resonant in various collaborations that broadened his impact. He worked alongside celebrated musicians and activists, such as Buffy Sainte-Marie and Willie Nelson, effectively crossing over genre boundaries and reaching diverse audiences. Through these collaborations, Westerman made it evident that his music was more than entertainment; it was an unyielding call for recognition and rights for Native peoples. Despite the acclaim and importance of his musical career, Westerman's artistic journey led him into the world of film and television, where he reached an even wider audience. He began acting in the 1980s, and his role in the critically acclaimed film "Dances with Wolves" (1990) perhaps cemented his status as a cultural ambassador. Yet, his music remained a defining facet of his identity, serving as the underscore to his broader fame in entertainment. Beyond the stage and screen, Westerman was an articulate advocate for indigenous rights, frequently journeying across the world to speak on behalf of various Native causes. He was a fixture at global environmental summits, where he lent not only his voice but also his perspective on sustainable and traditional living. The later years of Westerman's life saw him battling health challenges, but his commitment to activism and music never waned. He continued to perform and record, his voice becoming a familiar ode to the achievements and ongoing struggles of his people. His work earned him various accolades, not just from music industry peers, but from wider communities, who recognized his enduring contributions to cultural representation and the Native American resistance movement. Floyd Westerman passed away on December 13, 2007, but his legacy persists. His music remains deeply resonant, often invoked within the context of indigenous movements today. Although often seen on the fringes of mainstream music, his contributions have carved out a legacy that insists on the visibility and viability of indigenous cultural narratives. His voice, both as a musician and as an advocate, continues to inspire new generations who, like Westerman, seek to build bridges between the rich heritage of the past and the fervent aspirations of the future. The history of Floyd Westerman is one of profound intersections—between music and activism, traditional culture and modern media, personal identity and collective history. His work, deeply entrenched in the soundscape of advocacy, sings beyond the confines of his past, reminding all who listen of the enduring spirit and power of music to illuminate the path toward justice and reconciliation.