[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        BLACK EAGLE WINS GRAMMY

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                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 2004

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Black Eagle, the winner of the 2004 Grammy for Best Native American 
Music Album. This drum group from Jemez Pueblo draws upon the rich 
history of the Native American Powwow for musical inspiration. Their 
fifteen years of performing has developed a deep and broad following 
across the country. It is my great honor to congratulate them for this 
win.
  Black Eagle formed in 1989 after group leader Malcolm Yepa attended a 
powwow in Lame Deer, Montana. He became enamored with the singing and 
drum playing being performed and upon returning to Jemez Pueblo, 
Malcolm and his brother David Yepa Jr. formed Black Eagle. Cousins who 
had heard of Malcolm's experience were eager to join and the group soon 
consisted of twenty-one members.
  After learning popular songs by listening to the recordings from 
other drum groups, Black Eagle began performing at local powwows. Their 
music coalesced into a definitive sound as they gained experience and 
soon the group was drawing wide recognition. Touring across the country 
during the next few years brought encounters with several others in the 
same musical vein, including fellow drum group, Black Lodge of White 
Swan, Washington.
  It was at this time, after speaking with Black Lodge, that Black 
Eagle began writing and performing original music written by members of 
the group. Making the music even more exceptional was the fact that it 
was written, and performed, in the Towa language, the dialect of the 
Jemez Pueblo. Such a project had never been done before, and release of 
their freshman album, titled, ``Volume I,'' brought wide praise.
  The production of music by Black Eagle continued unabated. ``Vol. 
II,'' the group's second album, was quickly followed by, ``Soaring 
High'' and ``Star Child.'' By 2001, when they released their fifth 
album, ``Life Goes On,'' Black Eagle had gained a wide following 
through extensive touring and word-of-mouth. This fifth work however, 
would be the work that gave Black Eagle national prominence and 
critical acclaim. A collection of round dance and hand drum songs, 
``Life Goes On,'' garnered a Grammy nomination under the ``Best Native 
American Music Album'' category.
  While the 2002 awards ceremony did not bring a win for the group, 
Black Eagle was bolstered by the nomination and in March of 2003, they 
released, ``Flying Free.'' This sixth work utilized new technology to 
create a ``live'' recording sound in the studio and also bridged Native 
American music history when bells used on legendary group XIT's albums 
were played by Black Eagle.
  ``Flying Free'' was nominated, and won, the 2004 Grammy for ``Best 
Native American Music Album.'' Black Eagle's roots, which reside deep 
within the Jemez culture, are reflected on the album. Jemez Pueblo has 
a very long history in the great State of New Mexico, and continues to 
this day to preserve its cultural, spiritual and traditional customs. 
Events at the Pueblo, including feast days, dances, and arts and crafts 
shows, are still the primary responsibility of several members of the 
group.
  Going from a single teenager captivated by the music of his people to 
a familial, rooted award-winning group, Malcolm Yepa and Black Eagle 
are to be applauded for their musical achievements, commended for their 
loyalty to the history of the powwow, and wished the very best in their 
future aspirations.

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