Buffy Sainte-Marie is a pioneering figure in music, an artist whose work spans over five decades, embodying activism, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to the core issues of our times. Born on February 20, 1941, on the Piapot 75 reserve in the Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan, Canada, Sainte-Marie is of Cree descent and has been a vital voice for the Indigenous peoples of the Americas throughout her career. Her music adeptly blends folk, country, and rock with her distinctive vibrato, often tackling themes of love, war, religion, and injustice.

Sainte-Marie's discography is distinguished not only by its political fervor but also by its innovative spirit. With her 1964 debut album "It's My Way!", she made her mark as one of the first Indigenous musicians to emerge in the mainstream music scene. Her song "Universal Soldier" became an anthem of the peace movement, and she won an Academy Award for "Up Where We Belong," which she co-wrote for the film "An Officer and a Gentleman." Moving into the 21st century, albums like "Power In The Blood" and "Medicine Songs" continued to reflect her commitment to social change, illustrating her role as both a protest and peace singer. Beyond music, Sainte-Marie has been an active educator, philanthropist, and advocate for Native American rights, cementing her legacy as a tireless force for cultural and political revolution in contemporary music.

Genres

American Folk Revival

Canadian Indigenous Music

Canadian Singer-songwriter

Folk

Folk Rock

Native American Contemporary

Related Artists

Leonard Cohen

Joni Mitchell

Joan Baez

Bob Dylan

Neil Young

Janis Ian

Gordon Lightfoot

Madonna

Annie Lennox

Kate Bush

Nina Simone

Tanya Tagaq

Latest Release

Hey Little Rockabye (A Lullaby for Pet Adoption)

Buffy Sainte-Marie

Single - Released May 12, 2020