Jim Pepper (born James G. Pepper in Salem, Oregon,
June 18, 1941; d. Portland, Oregon, February 10, 1992)
was an American jazz saxophonist, composer,
and singer of Native American ancestry.
Of Kaw and Creek heritage, Pepper also achieved notoriety
for his compositions combining elements of jazz
and Native American music. Don Cherry and Ornette Coleman
encouraged Pepper to reflect his roots and heritage
and incorporate it into his jazz playing and composition.
His "Witchi Tai To" (derived from a peyote song of the
Native American Church which he had learned from
his grandfather) is the most famous example of
this hybrid style; the song has been covered by
many other artists including Harper's Bizarre,
Ralph Towner (with and without Oregon), Jan Garbarek,
Pete Wyoming Bender, and Brewer & Shipley.
Pepper supported the American Indian Movement.
(Wikipedia)
Awww, I like the Song "Witchi tai to"
One of the greatest songs ever ;-)
