Redbone, the first Native American band to earn a Top 5 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, gets an official video for their 1974 hit, Randy Travis releases “Fool’s Love Affair,” and more music news.
Redbone has a fascinating story of their own that will be told in an illustrated biography, Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band, to be released in September by IDW Publishing. But they have another story to share first. Sony Music Entertainment division Legacy Recordings released an official music video for a groundbreaking 1970s band just 46 years after the single was released, and it’s an awe-inspiring trip through history and into the future, created by a team that reflects the band’s own multiracial heritage: Mexican director Juan E. Bedolla and artist Brent Learned (Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma).
Indian Country Today has a great story of how the video came together. A quote from founding member Pat Vegas: “We wanted to show that our people were about love. This film visual really takes you on a journey and reminds us that the sky's not the limit; it's only the view. It's something to help the young understand the old, one is silver the other gold, both are valuable. To everyone, I'd like to say, ‘Chioke Uttesia,’ which is ‘Thank you’ in Yaqui language. The creators of the video asked for my blessing on this film. They have my blessing.”
Check it out.
Randy Travis New Song
Randy Travis released a rare new song since a stroke robbed him of his voice and the world of new music from the country singing legend in 2013. “Fools Love Affair” was originally recorded as a demo, but has been brought up to single-worthy quality by Travis’ longtime producer Kyle Lehnig. You can stream or download it here. The song was released on July 29, which marked the 35th anniversary of the release of “On the Other Hand,” his first single. C&I contributor Michael J. Mooney caught up with Travis at his ranch outside Tioga, Texas, in a beautiful portrait of the singer’s life since the medical crisis for our February/March issue.
LitHub Songwriter Video Series
And LitHub has launched a new video series in which singer-songwriters are asked about their literary influences, writing methods, favorite books, and more — and to play a song or two. The series benefits Philadelphia nonprofit Mighty Writers, and the first episode comes strong out of the gate with Highwoman Amanda Shires and her husband, Jason Isbell.
C&I New Music Recommendations
Be sure to check out our regularly updated Spotify playlist to hear what's music to our ears lately.
Photography: Redbone at the Smithsonian. From the band's official website.
