Canyon Records has recorded, produced, and distributed Native American music for 57 years, and is one of the oldest independent record labels (of any style of music) in existence. Canyon's catalog includes more than 400 traditional and contemporary recordings by native peoples from the United States, western Canada, and northwest Mexico.
Canyon's catalog features numerous native musical genres: traditional tribal music, pow-wow (northern and southern varieties), Native American Church music (peyote ritual), Native American flute (contemporary and traditional), rock, alternative, folk, classical, and waila (also known as "chicken scratch"), a form of polka music from the Tohono O'odham of southern Arizona).
Canyon has received two gold records (sales in excess of 500,000) for Canyon Trilogy and Earth Spirit by Native American flutist, R. Carlos Nakai, which are the only gold records for traditional Native American music. Canyon has received 20 GRAMMY? nominations, and won a 2001 GRAMMY? (Best Native American Album) for Bless the People by Verdell Primeaux and Johnny Mike. Additionally, Canyon has received numerous awards including Native American Music Awards (NAMMYS) and Association for Independent Music Awards (the GRAMMY? for independent record labels).
Canyon was founded in 1951 by Ray and Mary Boley who had opened the first recording studio in Phoenix in 1948. Ray Boley's involvement with Native American music began when he was asked by the Phoenix Little Theater to record a Navajo singer named Ed Lee Natay. Boley was so taken with what he heard that he recorded a collection of songs by Natay and created Canyon Records to release Natay, Navajo Singer. This release was well received within the Native American community, and stimulated Boley's enthusiasm for Native American music.
The Boleys began seeking out Native American singers and musicians from other tribes. In addition to expanding their own label, they also established a distribution network to sell Canyon titles and titles from other labels across the United States, Canada and into Europe. In 1971, after selling their other business, Canyon Films, they opened a retail location in central Phoenix which still operates as Drumbeat Indian Arts.
In 1992, Ray Boley retired and Canyon Records was bought by Robert Doyle, a long time employee and producer for Canyon. In 2000, Canyon moved to its presentation location adding a commercial recording studio (Jack Miller Productions) and graphic design company (Nile Graphics).
New Releases from Canyon Records
Jay Begaye with Tiinesha Begaye - Horses Are Our Journey (CR-6467) For Native Americans throughout history the horse has been central to their lives. Jay Begaye of the Diné (Navajo) and his daughter, Tiinesha Begaye (Similkameen-Diné), honor their horses through song and sing about other aspects of Native American culture in performances of Diné Traditional songs, Canadian Round Dance songs and a Pow-Wow style song.
Northern Cree - True Blue (CR-6456) From the windy plains of Cree country, Grammy-nominated Pow-Wow group Northern Cree churns up the Arizona dust on this exhilarating live recording. Their super-charged singing remains anchored in the bold traditions of their people as this acclaimed group make songs that will be remembered by generations to come.
Bear Creek - Through Thick and Thin (CR-6448) The bold singing of this Ojibwe drum group is heard in all corners of Native North America and places them firmly as a favorite of dancers and listeners. Celebrating a decade of earth-shaking drumming and awe-inspiring singing, Bear Creek is a crucial presence on the Pow-Wow trail.
Cheevers Toppah and Kevin Yazzie - Awakening of Life (CR-6458) The distinct sounds of Kiowa and Dine Peyote singing are performed by noted young singers Cheevers Toppah and Kevin Yazzie. Utilizing unison and harmonized singing, the beauty of these songs inspire, balance and guide the listener through the journey of life.
Warscout - Many Tribes One Nation (CR-6457) Warscout carries a message of pride to all Native peoples on this live recording of high-energy Pow-Wow tunes. Respected throughout the Pow-Wow Trail, Warscout combines powerful lyrical messages with thunderous melodies that make you tighten your moccasins and dance hard!
October days in CANYON RECORDS... best wishes... getting an early start on a wonderful day and week... my thoughts are with you... The CANYON folks... cool... Blessings to y'all.
Hello and thank you for the add. I was just wondering how I could go about making a CD. Well, my companion is interested in recording his music and we were just wondering how to go about this. He wants to record some Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Native American Church Songs. More than likely, his brothers will join him on this CD. Let us know what the next step is. Aho.
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