Behind the roaring amplifiers and iconic guitar riffs of modern rock music lies a profound, foundational Indigenous influence that was long overlooked. From the percussive acoustic rhythms of early Delta blues to the creation of the power chord and arena-filling drum beats, Native heritage helped shape rock and roll. Here are trailblazing musicians, innovators, and storytellers who created the essential blueprint for modern rock.
#1: Jesse Ed Davis
As one of rock’s premier session guitarists, this Kiowa and Comanche musician possessed a remarkably soulful slide guitar technique. His memorable solos elevated tracks for John Lennon, Jackson Browne, and Taj Mahal throughout the 1960s and 1970s. His versatile playing style and understated studio mastery made him a vital architect of classic Southern rock and Americana soundscapes.
