Jody Thomas Gaskin
Musician Biography
Since 1994, when well-known Native American entertainer Jody Thomas Gaskin joined the entertainment business his kickin’ music presence has been in ever-growing demand. The thriving Native music scene has warmly embraced his power-rock voice and soulful musicality along with his apt flute, acoustic and electric guitar skills.
Jody is a consummate performer who “brings it!” to his audiences with an accessible variety of music from adult contemporary, classic rock & blues, and country to Top 40 as well as his own memorable original songs. He also brings other musical elements such as harmonica, Native American flute, and drumming into the mix, keeping listeners fascinated.
Raised in the Ojibway traditions, Jody grew up in the Sault Ste. Marie Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario area, and was surrounded by a rich cultural heritage of music, drumming and community. He is a champion traditional dancer and hoop dancer, sings with several drum groups from around north america, follows the pow wow trail and is a well known master of ceremonies. Elements that have inspired his present music. His unique style fuses the traditional sounds with contemporary rhythms producing a hybrid sound-fusion.
Jody is also a well known traditional storyteller, traditional flute maker and traditional flute player. One of jody's flute albums has been nominated for an aboriginal music award and a prairie music award. Jody has performed his hilarious storytelling and his beautiful flute music to appreciative audiences in schools and concert halls around the world. He also teaches the ancient art of ojibway flute making in workshops and to anyone who asks.
In 1995, Jody signed to Sunshine Records, the world’s largest distributor of Native American music. He released 4 albums (one of which is multi-award-nominated) and toured worldwide for twenty years throughout the U.S., Europe, South America, Central America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Asia. His music can be heard on radio stations as far away as europe, australia and asia. The albums still sell top ten worldwide for Native American performers.
Jody also toured for three years as frontman and released the cd "medicine wheel"with the two-time Juno Award and two-time APCMA Award winning band Eagle & Hawk.
Jody Gaskin’s music focuses on many issues that affect Native Americans . Jody says “We must never forget the past by remembering our traditions, but history and culture are dynamic and we must reflect how our people are living today in a positive light. Prejudice is alive and well in the world and we need people to share a message of unity and similarity instead of disparity and difference.” ~Jody Gaskin
DISCOGRAPHY 1995 - Present:
Jody Thomas Gaskin - Part of Being Anishanabe
JodyThomas Gaskin - Native American Flute Songs*(Nominated for Canadian Aboriginal Music Award & Praire Music Award)
Jody T. Gaskin -Think Good Thoughts
Jody Thomas Gaskin -Native American Flute Songs, Vol. II
Medicine Wheel w/Eagle & Hawk
NEW RELEASES
Jody T. Gaskin - Born on the Rezz
Jody Thomas Gaskin - Ojibway Flute Songs (nominated for an APCMA music award)
