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Verdell
Primeaux is of Oglalla/Yankton Sioux and Ponca heritage
and was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Verdell represents
the Seven Council Fires of the Lakota and the Eagle Clan of
Ponca Nation. He was diagnosed at birth with a serious
illness and so his father Francis Primeaux, Sr., traveled to
Texas and harvested peyote. Francis returned home with the
peyote and through prayer and songs of the Native American
Church, cured Vermeil's illness. By the time he was five,
Verdell began singing and learning Lakota culture and
tradition. At age thirteen, Verdell recorded four albums
with his father. By age sixteen, he began composing his own
songs. With his colleague, Johnny Mike, Verdell developed
healing chants whith are peyote melodies and harmonies sung
without drum or gourd accompaniment. Many of their acclaimed
recording received major music awards including a Grammy for
Best native American Album in 2002. In harnessing the
musical power for prayer, Verdell seeks to reach young
people everywhere and guide them to a safe and happy life.
Johnny Mike
is a Diné (Navajo) from Kitsili, Black Mesa, Arizona. His
maternal clan is Near the Water People and on his father's
side his represents the Salt Clan. His has two children and
resides in Chinle, Arizona. Both sides of his family have
been prominent in the Native American Church. Johnny's
grandfathers and grandmothers were some of the first to use
peyote within the Navajo Nation. From these roots, Johnny
was brought up in the ways of the Church and looks back at
his life with great appreciation towards his elders who led
him on the peyote road. Their prayers helped Johnny survive
hard time growing up and helped to shape his life. In turn,
Johnny hopes to help out friends and relatives with their
songs and prayers. |