2000s World War II 1930s 1920s World War I Early 1900s Post Civil War Era 1950s 1960s 1970s 1990s 1980s Civil War Era Antebellum Era Go to World War II Go to 1930s Go to 1920s Go to World War I Go to Early 1900s Go to Post Civil War Go to 1950s Go to 1960s Go to 1970s Go to 1990s Go to 1980s Go to Civil War Go to Antebellum
Top Navigation Bar Home page Our mission Frequently Asked Questions Contact us CDs & DVDs for donations Artifacts for sale Artifacts for sale CDs & DVDs for donations Contact us Frequently Asked Questions Our mission Home page
 
Your current position is:
home > diversity > native > popular american music
Stereotypes of Native Americans: Essays & Images
curve
Imagery & Stereotyping Explained
native banner
How some people try to distance themselves from these images
Native Americans in Popular American Music
 
As the Nineteenth Century gave way to the Twentieth, the American music industry, centered in Manhattan's Tin Pan Alley, began to further romanticize the Native American in sheet music and recorded song. The Noble Savage, particularly the Indian Princess, was commonly featured in "Indian Intermezzo" pieces and in other instrumentals. Indian romance was also held in mythical esteem, and a few writers even dabbled in the topic of miscegenation (Indian-White sexual relationships). The Ignoble Savage was still around, reduced to a comic device in early novelty songs, including a few about the role of the Native American in World War I.
 
Part 4: Modern Music: 1960-present (planned for the future)
Part 5: Songs by Native American Artists (planned for the future)
| top |
curve
curve
curve
Last modified May 30, 2008
© 1999-2008, The Authentic History Center