Joanne Shenandoah

Joanne Shenandoah, an esteemed Native American musician, was widely recognized as one of America's leading voices in indigenous music. A Grammy Award winner and multiple recipient of various accolades, she was also honored with the title of Ambassador of Peace. Her extraordinary talent was praised by notable figures, including Neil Young, who acknowledged her profound contributions to Native American music, and Robbie Robertson, who described her voice as enveloping listeners in a soothing embrace.

Born into the Oneida Nation, Joanne was the daughter of Clifford Shenandoah, a jazz guitarist and chief of the Onondaga, and Maisie Shenandoah, an influential clan mother. Growing up on the Oneida reservation in New York, she developed a passion for music early on. Despite a successful career as a computer systems architectural engineer lasting fourteen years, she ultimately found her true calling in music, drawing inspiration from her heritage and the stories of her people.

Shenandoah's musical style blended traditional Native American songs with elements of new age, pop, and Western genres. Her ethereal voice resonated in pieces like “To Those Who Dream,” often described as creating a 'Native American trance.' She showcased her artistry on prestigious stages, including performances at the White House, Carnegie Hall, and Madison Square Garden. Joanne's compositions have also graced documentaries and the popular TV series Northern Exposure. A celebrated artist, she garnered fourteen Native American Music Awards and received the inaugural Atlas Award in 2012 for her environmental advocacy.