Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked The World 2017

Many musical artists and genres contributed to the development of rock music, yet arguably, no single piece has had a greater impact than Link Wray’s iconic 1958 instrumental, “Rumble.” This groundbreaking work by the American Indian rock guitarist and singer/songwriter is noted for its unique sound. Filmmaker Martin Scorsese reflects on the song’s powerful essence, stating, > “It is the sound of that guitar … that aggression.” “Rumble” was revolutionary as it was the first track to incorporate distortion and feedback, pioneering the rock power chord, and infamously, it became one of the rare instrumental singles banned from radio due to concerns it might spark violence.

The documentary RUMBLE delves into the significant role of Native American influence in musical history, emphasizing the resilience against efforts to suppress and erase Indian culture in the United States. It highlights that early blues pioneers had roots not only in African American culture but also in Native American traditions, showcasing that one of the foremost jazz vocalists drew inspiration from Native American melodies. As folk rock emerged in the 60s and 70s, the contributions of Native Americans were vital in shaping its trajectory.

Prominent artists with Indigenous heritage such as Charley Patton, Mildred Bailey, Jimi Hendrix, and Buffy Sainte-Marie left an indelible mark on the history of music, often without recognition of their cultural backgrounds.

Through vibrant re-creations, untold narratives, concert footage, archival materials, and interviews, RUMBLE shares the stories of these legendary Native musicians as narrated by some of America’s most celebrated music icons. Figures like Quincy Jones, Tony Bennett, Iggy Pop, Steven Tyler, and Stevie Van Zandt offer insights into their experiences and inspirations drawn from these artists.

RUMBLE ultimately reveals how Indigenous music has been woven into the very fabric of American popular music from its inception, a contribution that has long been overlooked—until now.