BIOGRAPHY

BIOGRAPHY

Red Thunder Myspace.

Some are born knowing who they are and where they are going. Others spend their entire lives trying to find out. Some never do. Robby Romero has always known.

Robby's early life was spent in the age-old tradition of living out of the proverbial suitcase. Only his suitcase bridged a cultural divide. He traveled between two very different worlds - namely that of New Mexico with its Native customs, and Hollywood with its own set of customs unlike any other.

Robby's father worked in show biz for the David Wolper Organization while his mother appeared in numerous motion pictures including a series of Elvis Presley films. Robby even met The King.

Surrounded by some of the most artistic minds of the time, Robby spent much of his childhood in the company of Dennis Hopper, a relationship that would in turn have a powerful impact on his own creativity.

As Robby matured, he learned to combine the best of what he loved about both those worlds. By thirteen, he was singing his songs in Taos Plaza Cantinas and Cafés, and recording in Hollywood with celebrated Native American guitarist Jesse Ed Davis, recording artist Johnny Rivers, and legendary producer Van Dyke Parks. Robby's music had its radio debut on KROQ introduced by "The Mayor Of Sunset Strip", Rodney Bingenheimer.

Throughout his youth, Robby performed in Hollywood's talked about club scene. He played the Palomino, the Troubadour, the Starwood, and the infamous of all, Whiskey A-Go-Go. He toured with country singer and academy award nominee Ronee Blakley, Rick Danko of The Band, Gene Clark of The Byrds, and Paul Butterfield of The Butterfield Blues Band. But it was his apprenticeship with Latin activist Reyes Tijerina and Native American activist Dennis Banks that would change the course of Robby's life and put him on the red road he was born to follow.

In 1989 Robby founded Native Children's Survival (NCS), a non-profit organization devoted to the healing of Mother Earth and all her children. As part of NCS's mission to create awareness through music, Robby has conducted many performances, including the "All Our Colors" and "Sacred Sites" concerts with Carlos Santana and Chief Oren Lyons that benefited the Traditional Circle of Elders and Youth.

Following President Gorbachev's historic environmental message at the 1990 Global Forum of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders in Moscow, Robby's first NCS music video project, "Is It Too Late", was broadcast around the world from the Kremlin and at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. This endeavor earned Robby the title of United Nations Ambassador of Youth for the Environment.

Robby also formed a Native Rock band, Red Thunder, with roots deep in the heart of Indian Country. Red Thunder debuted live from the Apache Territories of the Southwest as part of MTV's "Street Block Party" broadcast. Robby's music and likeness were featured on the TBS star-studded hit cartoon "Captain Planet". Red Thunder made a special appearance on the PBS hit puppet show "Puzzle Place" that went on to become the most watched and requested episode of the series.

Crossing cultural boundaries around the world, Robby performed at the historic 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in South America, the Nuclear Free Forum in Austria, the World Forum on Racism in Australia, and the United Nations World Forum on Sustainable Development in South Africa. He shared the stage with Jimmy Cliff, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker, Arlo Guthrie, Steve Miler and many more.

As part of MTV's "Free Your Mind" campaign, Robby created several stereotype breaking public service announcements, introducing contemporary Native Peoples to the music television generation. The campaign won the industry's prestigious Cable Ace Award. Robby was featured on VH1's Inside Music and he co-wrote, directed and scored a World Alert Special, "Makoce Wakan: Sacred Earth" that generated the highest viewer response than any other show on the network at that time.

In 1994, Robby launched Red Thunder's debut soundtrack to his VH1 World Alert Special, "Makoce Waken/Sacred Earth" exclusively in Indian Country, and with their single "Heartbeat" in rotation on MTV2, Red Thunder began their critically acclaimed Indian Country Tour.

They were invited on the H.O.R.D.E. Tour in 1995 and 1996, a Blues Traveler founded festival that came to define a genre of explosive live performances and intense fan loyalty. Robby & Red Thunder were featured on MTV's "Crossroads" and "H.O.R.D.E. Bootleg Special" along with Lenny Kravitz, Natalie Merchant, the Dave Matthews Band, and Rickie Lee Jones. They toured with blues legend Taj Mahal, Sheryl Crow, Ziggy Marley, and the Black Crows, and joined Blues Traveler for a Fall tour.

With laurels from critics and throngs of new fans, Red Thunder returned to Indian Country in 1997, rolling onto the Navajo Nation for the Annual Hodiits'a concert with Native post punk band, Blackfire, and punk rocker, Joey Ramone. They stormed the Pacific Northwest for the grand opening of Chief Leschi Schools and headed east for the Onondaga Nation Music festival.

In 1998, Robby co-wrote, produced, scored and directed "Hidden Medicine", an experimental film dealing with the mystical relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the environment. The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival, screened at International Film Festivals around the world, and debuted on Sundance Channel in 1999. The soundtrack was released exclusively on Turtle Island and Red Thunder hit the road in 2000 from the Native territories of North America to the Aboriginal territories of Australia.

In 2002, the "Indigenous" Product Line, created and developed by Robby with the Aveda Corporation, was launched. "Indigenous - Beauty in balance with Nature", is a Purifying Collection sustainably harvested by Native Peoples that included a Purifying Pure-Fume Composition, Purifying Hair and Body Cleanser, and Purifying Aroma Candle. To date, the "Indigenous" Collection has donated over one million dollars to Charitable Organizations.

Also in 2002, Robby documented "America's Last Frontier", a musical journey through the homelands of the Gwich'in Nation in Alaska. "America's Last Frontier" premiered at the United Nations World Summit in South Africa, United Nations Geneva, Switzerland, and at the United Nations Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues in New York City along with the exclusive CD release of the soundtrack in America's First Nations Territories.

In 2003, Robby created another Public Service Announcement campaign called "r u 2 cool 2 care...". The first in the series, "Save The Arctic Refuge" focused on protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from the mandate to drill oil. "Save The Arctic Refuge" was launched nationally on music television and internationally on the world-wide-web.

As America prepared for it's 2004 Presidential Election, so did Indian Country. Native Nations launched a national "Get Out the Vote" campaign and Red Thunder hit the road on the "Rock The Rez Vote" Campaign Tour, targeting swing-states in Indian Country. In support of a new generation of Indian Country leaders, Robby performed at the Presidential inaugurations of Floyd "Buck" Jourdian, Chairman of the Red Lake Nation; Cecilia Fire Thunder, President of the Oglala Sioux Nation; and at the Wendell Chino Mescalero Apache Humanitarian Award Banquet.

In 2005, Eagle Thunder Records released a limited edition of Robby's work entitled, "Native Children's Survival, If not now, when? If not you, who?" This essential CD/DVD is a collection of music, music videos, rockumentary films, exclusive interviews on MTV, VH1 and Sundance Channel, and public service announcement campaigns about the critical need to permanently protect our last remaining wild places and bridge the gap between Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and the Environment.

Following the release, Robby began work on the next project of the "r u 2 cool 2 care...". Public Service Announcement campaign. "Native Wind" had its debut at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City on September 16, 2005 with some of the world's most influential political and business leaders in attendance. "Native Wind" made its film festival premier at the 2006 American Indian Film Festival, Palace Of Fine Arts in San Francisco, CA and went on to showcase at the Festival De Cannes - Short Film Corner in Cannes, France.

In 2006, Sony/BMG released German Rock Legend; Peter Maffay's "Encounters II - An Alliance For Children" album featuring a duo with Robby of his Indian Country hit single "Heartbeat". The album release was followed by a string of TV and Radio appearances including BRAVO Magazine's 50th Anniversary Celebration of music history and youth culture with a live three-hour international television satellite feed, an AOL International Live broadcast, and a 2007 15-city Arena Tour. The TV lineups included Tokio Hotel, Beyonce, Keith Urban, Sting, and more. The "Encounters" project was successful in raising over One Million euros to benefit Children's programs around the world including the building of the Lakota Language School in Oglala, South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Lakota Language School's construction began in the summer of 2007 and is scheduled to open its doors to the Lakota children in the fall 2008.

In 2007, "Native Wind" screened at the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival presented by Patagonia, Robert Redford's Sundance Summit, and United Nations World Environment Day celebration. And "Pathfinder", a 20th Century Fox film in which Robby produced the Traditional Native Music and was a consultant for the production, was released. "Pathfinder" is based on the Academy Award nominated film for best foreign film by Nils Gaup, and is directed by Marcus Nispel and produced by Phoenix Pictures' Mike Medavoy and Arnold Messer.

Also in 2007, Robby produced the self-titled debut CD of The P.Town Boyz, the acclaimed Ojibwe youth drum group from the traditional village of Ponemah on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. He also joined Carlos Santana, Peter Maffay, Yusuf Islam (a.k.a. Cat Stevens), Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President Mikhail Gorbachev, and President Shimon Peres in a Concert for Peace in Bochum, Germany. Robby had the honor of performing with and signing Carlos Santana's classic hits "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va" before performing his own hits, "Heartbeat" and "Hidden Medicine". Proceeds from this concert supported the humanitarian projects of the Milagro Foundation in San Francisco, and the Desmond Tutu Peace Center in South Africa.

This year Robby Romero released "Painting The World" an EP/CD that celebrates the historical adoption of the United Nations' "Declaration on The Rights of Indigenous Peoples", and raises awareness about global warming and climate change. Featuring Indigenous artists from around the world, this new release bridges the gap between Indigenous Peoples, human rights, and the environment. The CD release party took place during the United Nations Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues Cultural Event on Earth Day April 22 at United Nations Headquarters in New York City with a live performance by Robby and Indigenous performers from around the world.

Currently Robby is producing "The Red Lake Singers", a traditional drum group from Red Lake Ojibwe Nation. This new recording, in the Pow Wow music genre, is scheduled for release during the winter moon 2008.

With rare performances outside of Indian Country interspersed throughout his career, from the Roxy Theater in Hollywood to Berlin's renowned Komische Oper opera house, Robby Romero continues to stand up and celebrate what he believes in. It is the reason he has been honored and supported around the world by Indigenous leaders, politicians, celebrities, fellow artists, friends and fans. Weaving the new into the old, it is just the beginning....

TOURS & EVENTS

RELEASES

RELATED ALBUMS

ADDITIONAL DISCOGRAPHY

VIDEO

RELATED VIDEO

Robby Romero - Past To Present

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Robby Romero - Select Film Clips

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Robby Romero - News And Interview Clips

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Robby Romero - Music Videos

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Public Service Announcements

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PRESS

RELATED PRESS & INTERVIEWS

"Red Thunder has commanded the largest audience of any contemporary Indian music group."
- Encyclopedia of North American Indians

"Robby Romero and his band Red Thunder are changing the world — and the world of music."
- Los Angeles Times Magazine

"A long and winding road brings musician, filmmaker, music producer, speaker and activist Robby Romero back to the forefront of public attention."
- Native Peoples Magazine

"The phones light up every time stations play Red Thunder… It has got to help the Movement."
- Billboard Magazine

"Robby Romero honored by Sacred Hoop School...Evening program draws Pine Ridge Reservation community members."
- Indian Country Today

"The guitar, vocals and songs of Robby Romero boasts a powerful vocal style that treat sensitive matters of spirituality with firm certainty."
- San Francisco Chronicle

"Romero grew up in the entertainment business and was playing music professionally by the time he was 13. Red Thunder, formed by Robby in 1989, continues to be one of the most popular musical groups known in 'Indian Country' and around the world."
- News From Indian Country

"In the spirit of Woody Guthrie's Tom Joad, Robby Romero is there wherever Native Americans are fighting for the rights. He is an articulate artist and advocate for the causes and concerns behind a cultural resistance that is older than this country."
- Media Channel

"Community members gathered for the honoring of musician and United Nations Ambassador for the Environment Robby Romero. Romero was honored for his role in raising awareness through his music which led to construction funds for Sacred Hoop School (Cangleska Wakan Owayawa) in Oglala, S.D."
- Native American Times

"United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Seventh Session - ROBBY ROMERO, speaking for Native Children’s Survival, said the Forum should restrain non-governmental organizations with status in the Economic and Social Council from allowing corporations to use this Forum in any way for profit and at the expense of indigenous issues. Guidelines should be developed to help businesses and corporations respect the concept of free, prior and informed consent."
- United Nations Economic and Social Council

"Robby lays down penetrating songs, drawn from the imagery of his people, for celebrations and cautionary tomes."
- Navajo Times

"It's been a long time since "alternative" rock was as fresh or unexplored among the mainstream as Native American rock is today, and Red Thunder is the perfect introduction."
- Entertainment Today

"Red Thunder is solid Native Rock, right down to the core."
- Lakota Times

"Red Thunder has earned a loyal following and are ready to cross over into the mainstream. The question is, is the mainstream ready for Native Rock?"
- VH1 Inside Music

"Robby Romero lent his musical talent to the Rock The Rez Vote. He ended this rockin' evening with the hit, Heartbeat, a strong ending to a powerful and motivating event!"
- News from Indian Country

"Since VH1 began airing Inside Music segments featuring Robby Romero the Viewer Services Hotline has been bombarded by calls."
- MTV Networks

"Red Thunder conjures powerful mental images and awakens strong feelings using from-the-heart song-writing."
- Indian Country Today

"Cultivating Indigenous world awareness. Native rock artist Robby Romero of "Red Thunder" has long been outspoken and passionate about the environment."
- Awareness Magazine

"Red Thunder jams Native Rock that voices a positive message by incorporating culture traditions and spiritual beliefs in their music."
- Indian Country Today

"Robby's message is that we all should become educated non-violent activists and have our voices heard. And Red Thunder is one Native Rock band that is making sure its' voice is being heard."
- Bio Diversity Magazine

"Red Thunder spreads a positive spiritual, environmental message around the globe."
- Lakota Times

"If any Native American band has the potential to crossover to mainstream, this is the one."
- Cash Box

"A rock star from Indian Country"
- MPR

"Robby Romero and Red Thunder's ancestors and musical roots were here long before Columbus arrived."
- VHI Inside Music

"Red Thunder blazes a trail into American Indian rock territory weaving Native American and modern sounds into a supremely colorful musical blanket."
- Chicago Tribune

"Red Thunder… A band to look out for."
- Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The music industry told them that there was 'no market' for their Native Rock… Red Thunder remains undaunted."
- New York New Noise

"We've added Red Thunder into heavy rotation because of the overwhelming response… Everybody wants to know where they can get the release and where Red Thunder will play a live show."
- Coyote Radio

"The H.O.R.D.E. Festival features a more diverse lineup, including the Native American Band Red Thunder. Crowd members danced and twirled dead-head style, during the obligatory rock festival thunderstorm."
- Time Magazine

"Red Thunder's unique, powerful Native Rock came into the Lakota Sacred Circle like the Four Winds. It's a great honor to have Red Thunder at the 8th Black Hills Pow Wow. So may the Great Spirit watch over them on their journey."
- KILI RADIO

"Folks filed out to see Native American rock band Red Thunder play through the rain at this year's H.O.R.D.E Festival."
- Atlanta Journal

"The scream of recognition came as Robby Romero began the chorus of 'Heartbeat,' a song made famous by a television show called 'Heartbeat Alaska.'"
- Fairbanks Daily News

"If life is a school, then musician, songwriter, entrepreneur, activist director Robby Romero went for his doctorate at an early age."
- City AZ Magazine

"The sky will thunder and lighten will flash when Robby Romero of Red Thunder hits the stage with an acoustic rock set."
- Anchorage Daily News

"THUNDERSTORM" not only brings attention to the13th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, but also focus's attention on the Senate's debate over drilling in ANWR."
- Anchorage Press

"Robby Romero & Red Thunder is America's best kept secret."
- Gallery for the Arts

"Combining contemporary music with traditional, Red Thunder makes some powerful magic. The mixture of modern and ancient instruments makes for a heart-stirring aural experience."
- Album Network

"Good Works – SAVING THE FORESTS Portions of the profits from the sale of an album soundtrack to the film 'Hidden Medicine,' scored by Robby Romero and performed by Red Thunder, will be donated to the Native Children's Survival Awareness Campaign for the protection of America's forests. 'Hidden Medicine' premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is being aired on the Sundance Channel as part of the 'Best of the Sundance Film Festival' series.
- Billboard Magazine

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ROCKUMENTARY'S - AMERICA'S LAST FRONTIER

"We had amazing feedback from our viewers and they enjoyed the educational ride, the critical message so eloquently brought across with the beauty of Alaska and music that could become a hit in South Africa"
- SABC Africa

"It's insightful for South Africans to hear the plight of Indigenous Peoples Worldwide, and the World Summit provided the perfect platform for this screening."
- SABC 2 Africa

"Americans for Alaska urge the Senate to protect the Arctic Refuge. Attending were the Honorable Jimmy Carter, Robby Romero, Theodore Roosevelt IV, Dune Lankard, Robert Kennedy Jr., Sarah James, John Travolta, Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Carole King, The Honorable Hubert H. Humphrey III, Michael Douglas, Kevin Spacey, Larry Rockefeller, Ann Bancroft, Rob Reiner, Edward Norton, Don Henley, Billy Crystal, Ted Turner, Mike Medavoy, Lyn & Norman Lear, Ed Bagley Jr., Ed Asner, Mary Tyler Moore."
- The Washington Times

"We need to move into a time of healing", says Romero. "We have the technology and the wisdom."
- South Africa "Shape Magazine"

"We, the Indigenous Peoples, walk to the future in the footprints of our ancestors." - KARI-OCA Declaration, Brazil, 30 May 1992. "Robby Romero is indeed a man who walks firmly and powerfully into the future."
- Renaissance Magazine

"This film could not be more topical. With the Bush administration trying to push through legislation that would extract oil from the pristine North Slope of Alaska, the Gwich'in, who have lived there for centuries, are fighting to protect their way of life. Interspersed with music and song, the plight of the Gwich'in is chronicled with interviews and stunning visuals."
- Eastern Door

"America's Last Frontier brings the listener on an adventure, an audio adventure, that turns into much, much more…After listening, you want to be the one involved with this music inspired movement."
- Customer Review Amazon.com

"Fills my soul with passion…"
- Customer Review iTunes

"By the People, for the People Mother Earth not for sale."
- Viewer Comment You Tube

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HIDDEN MEDICINE

"Hidden Medicine is an experimental, mystical film that deals with the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the environment. The film beautifully weaves story, poetry, music and politics, creating an impending sense of our planet's struggle to survive."
- Sundance Film Festival

"ROBBY ROMERO reveals his Hidden Medicine"
Venice Magazine

"Romero's singing is clear and strong… the use of Native American instruments adds just the right touches, especially in tracks like 'Lakota Winyan' – a very very good song."
- The Web Magazine

"Robby has a great passion about his performance, and the lyrics are all geared towards the subject matter of the film. 'Sacred Circle' is about the cyclical relationship between nature and man. 'Dream Catcher' is about hope for the future, and 'Lonesome River is a great ballad..."
- Soundtrack Net

"KEEPING WITH TRADITION in the WORLD TODAY Red Thunder's excellent CD, Hidden Medicine which blends first nation tradition with contemporary style, provides insight into customs and traditions which have long been misunderstood and misrepresented."
- Customer Review Amazon.com

"Robby Romero and Red Thunder Rock!... So rare that a musician these days not only sounds unique, but has a meaningful message as well. Definitely NOT folk... this is Native Rock through and through."
- Customer Review iTunes

"It's an awesome short…"
- Viewer Comment You Tube

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MAKOCE WAKAN

"Feedback has been more than positive: Congratulations on a very successful show that has generated more viewer calls than any other show to date."
- VH1

"Romero contends that the fundamental issue is about respect of earth, others, and life. From the gorgeous aerial of the precipitous Black Hills to the close-up views of wild flowers underscored by Red Thunder's earnest music this marvelous film is a must see the world views of American Native Peoples."
- Native Peoples Magazine

"Makoce Wakan is unlike most commercially available releases today. This album consists of 11 delicately crafted mini operas, resulting in an intense spiritual collection. This disc screams out originality and inspiration with thought provoking songs such as 'Medicine Woman,' 'Heartbeat,' and 'Prayer Song."
- CD Review / The Editor's Choice

"Makoce Wakan reaches out to your soul. Anyone who cannot acknowledge this message has heart of stone-but the music can break through even that. The lyrics cannot be denied; they are well versed, powerful and appropriately set. So, begins the journey."
- Customer Review Amazon.com

"A Compelling contemporary pop group that refuses to betray its ethnic soul. Red Thunder's new creation of expressive 'Native Rock' symbolizes deep beliefs and passionate views."
- CD Review / The Editor's Choice

"Good songs for the mind, body and soul, Nahwee′ and Many Blessings, Turtle Clan Six Nations."
- Customer Review iTunes

"Very powerful. Thank you for your work."
- Viewer Comment You Tube

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ELDERS & YOUTH

"Robby is inspirational for elders and youth. For me, his songs like "Medicine Woman" and "Heartbeat" are like my spiritual penicillin. His presence . . . his music . . . help me through hard times."
- Janet McCloud, Founder, Sapa Dawn Center; North American Indian Lodge; Indigenous Women's Network

"I wouldn't compare Red Thunder to any others. I've heard Robby and his message, I know him as a person. He is a spiritual essence. He is the voice of young Native Americans. It makes me proud as an Elder. The movement for the young people is getting stronger and it will live forever."
- Dennis Banks, American Indian Movement

"Throughout his career Robby has been involved in numerous fundraising efforts for Native Americans. We are especially grateful for his enthusiastic support for the Cangleska Wakan School (Sacred Hoop School) and its importance to our people."
- Leonard Little Finger, founder/director Sacred Hoop School