PRIMEAUX & MIKE

About the Artist

Verdell Primeaux is of Oglalla/Yankton Sioux and Ponca heritage and was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Verdell represents the Seven Council Fires of the Lakota and the Eagle Clan of Ponca Nation. He was diagnosed at birth with a serious illness and so his father Francis Primeaux, Sr., traveled to Texas and harvested peyote. Francis returned home with the peyote and through prayer and songs of the Native American Church, cured Vermeil's illness. By the time he was five, Verdell began singing and learning Lakota culture and tradition. At age thirteen, Verdell recorded four albums with his father. By age sixteen, he began composing his own songs. With his colleague, Johnny Mike, Verdell developed healing chants whith are peyote melodies and harmonies sung without drum or gourd accompaniment. Many of their acclaimed recording received major music awards including a Grammy for Best native American Album in 2002. In harnessing the musical power for prayer, Verdell seeks to reach young people everywhere and guide them to a safe and happy life.

Johnny Mike is a Diné (Navajo) from Kitsili, Black Mesa, Arizona. His maternal clan is Near the Water People and on his father's side his represents the Salt Clan. His has two children and resides in Chinle, Arizona. Both sides of his family have been prominent in the Native American Church. Johnny's grandfathers and grandmothers were some of the first to use peyote within the Navajo Nation. From these roots, Johnny was brought up in the ways of the Church and looks back at his life with great appreciation towards his elders who led him on the peyote road. Their prayers helped Johnny survive hard time growing up and helped to shape his life. In turn, Johnny hopes to help out friends and relatives with their songs and prayers.

Recordings