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Speak Dog, Speak!

I've been working on our original website Oyate Ta Olowan.We've been working on adding digital downloads to the site, but it's still a challenge. Oyate is a public radio series that we did on traditional Native American music. We did 52 half hour shows and traveled over 100,000 miles collecting music from all over the Americas. It was a while ago, but people still seem to love it, so we keep offering the shows for sale.

It's all a part of our little press Many Kites Press. Life is so amazing, and so full, but we keep on trucking. I hope things are going well for all of you, and that continue to create wonderful things. Later, Milt Lee



Buffalo – The Lost Red Bow Tapes

Back in 1974, a young Lakota guy with a big black hat came into my studio. He was a singer and wanted to record an album. I suggested that the first thing he should do was come in on Wednesday, in the morning, and we would lay down a scratch track of all the songs that he wanted to do. He protested that morning was a really bad idea. I said, yeah, but – your voice will be really good then. So that’s how it happened. That Wednesday Buddy came in with his Martin, and big mug filled with orange juice. We recorded 10 songs that day – straight through – no second takes – just a scratch track. But as I listened to it over the years, I came to believe that this was maybe the best that Buddy ever sounded. He was clean, straight, sober, and his voice was true. He sang the songs that he had written and they were really fine. This is one of those songs. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Buddy never recorded that album. He went on to perform all over world, and recorded several other albums. We did his first 45 – “Indian Love Song” and later did an hour long documentary on his life. We released it on the first anniversary of his death. He died when he was 44. He and I were the same age, and we were both adopted. He grew up on the rez and I didn’t. Somehow his demons got the best of him, and he died of Cirrhosis of the liver. I’ve never seen a person in as much suffering as Buddy was when he went on. The only thing I suppose is that his music is still with us.

14 Responses to “Buffalo – The Lost Red Bow Tapes”


  1. 1 jim

    I just discovered buddy red bow a month or so ago and got every album. so to find out that there are lost tapes is great!! please release them for sale soon.. also is there any place to get the documentary on buddy?

  2. 2 Diane

    I can listen to his music for hours and hours. It would be nice if all of his music was made available again. I’ve talked to so many people who feel the same way about his music and we’ve found CDs do wear out. Thanks for posting this song from the “Lost Red Bow Tapes”, it is beautiful!

  3. 3 Wallace Clark

    I have listened to Mr Red Bow from our little ‘rez’ for the last 15 years but unfortunately we cannot just go out and get his music (I travelled to Scottsdale to get the first of Red Bow). Relative was truly a song man..

  4. 4 Patricia Patino

    Patricia Patino
    Sept 09,2008 at 6:36 AM

    I love listening to Buddy Redbow and also found it difficult to purchase his CD’S. Here are to companies that now have “Journey To The Spirit World” by Buddy Redbow for purchase. For those who are interested.

    Etherean Music, Inc. Indian Creek Trading Post
    P.O. Box 395 365 Shiloh Road SW
    Hotchkiss, CO Corydon, IN
    81419 USA 47112 USA

    I’m on a waiting list from both companies. When Buddy Redbow’s other 2 CD’S are available I will be notified.

    By the way I also LOVE BLUEBERRIES!!!!!

  5. 5 Patricia Patino

    The other company that has the CD “Journey To The Spirit World” by Buddy Redbow is:

    Indian Creek Trading Post
    3165 Shiloh Road SW
    Corydon, IN
    47112 USA

    I can hardly wait until the other 2 CD’S are available for purchase.

  6. 6 Diane Z.

    Milt: I just logged on after months and I love this song. Buddy sounds so young. You should release it!!

  7. 7 beverlyj

    milt,praire edge in rapid city has buddy red bow cds and they hve lots in stock..also a huge buddy red bow fan,love black hills dreamer..take care

  8. 8 WANDA RAE CROSS DOG

    I HAVE HAD THE GREAT FORTUNE TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH BUDDY AND I FELT SO BAD WHEN HE DIED … HE WAS A TRUE LAKOTA WARRIOR … I KNOW HE IS UP THERE LOOKING DOWN AT US ALL, SMILING THAT GREAT SMILE AND SINGING THOSE AWESOME SONGS! I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN ONE DAY, BROTHER! TOKSHA! GREAT WEBSITE, KEEP IT UP!

  9. 9 marky

    have been looking for Buddy Redbow’s “Indian Love Song” the faster version for a long time. Last I heard the song was from a cassette, can you please help me! thanks all!

  10. 10 elliot kwaanda matthews

    Buddy’s music impacted my life so much..what a great talent he is and was.I also want all of his recording’s.. that is one man i wish i could have met.i hope he know’s of all the people that miss him and care about him..Thank’s Buddy you made a difference in my life.

  11. 11 Percy & Angie

    Hi Milt & Jaimee Lee
    Congratulations on your Fellowship. Take care and maybe we will see you again, sometime.
    Take Care
    Percy & Angie

  12. 12 Phyllis Anderson

    I too was lucky enough to meet Buddy.A friend Bill Cox grow up ith Buddy and played music with him.Bill was on the frist album Buddy made.They were also in the movie Little Big Horn with Dustin Hoffman.I have BIG brown cowboy hat Buddy gave my late husband.I just love to listen to his music.Just happened to put his name in my computer to see if I could find the music I frist heard on a tape he gave us.I wore the tape out.Love your website. phy

  13. 13 Elouise Brown

    Awesome music by Mr Buddy Red Bow! Please direct me in the right direction to get a copy. Thank you,

  14. 14 Springwater Likens,Ocoee

    Buddy’s music is so real and wonderful in a rel lakota traditional style,how fortunate we have that memory of a friend. Springwater likens, Ocoee

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