Dr. Bob and Dr. Zoh were special guests of Janie Hendrix for The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian opening of its latest exhibition “Up Where We Belong: Native Musicians in Popular Culture.” The panel exhibition, which also features Jimi Hendrix' long patchwork coat, opens Thursday, July 1, at the museum on the National Mall; it is open through Jan. 2, 2011.

“Whether they basked in the limelight or played supporting roles, Native musicians have made an enormous contribution to American music as we know it today,” said Kevin Gover (Pawnee), director of the museum. “They forged new sounds, worked with some of the greatest names in the music industry and inspired current Native and non-Native performers who continue to build on their legacy, and we are proud to honor them in this exhibition.”

In addition to a video that discusses the musicians and their histories, the museum has gathered several personal objects to display. These include a colorful, full-length leather coat that belonged to famed electric guitarist Jimi Hendrix (Cherokee heritage). The Hendrix family also loaned other items, including a Fender Stratocaster guitar reproduction, a Gibson Flying V reproduction (neither are on display) and a leather necklace and pouch. Other objects to be displayed include Link Wray’s (Shawnee) 1958 Danelectro Longhorn guitar, a double-platinum album from heavy metal drummer Randy Castillo (Isleta Pueblo) and the famous green guitar from funk guitarist Stevie Salas (Apache).

More from the Smithsonian

"We The People" artfcar in front of the graceful National Museum of the American.

Dr. Bob and Brian Wright-McLeod, producer/host of Canada’s longest-running Native radio program and author of The Encyclopedia of Native Music: More Than a Century of Recordings from Wax Cylinder to the Internet.

Dr. Bob and McLeod examining the American Indian symbolism.

Dr. Bob and Christopher Turner, curator of the "Up Where We Belong" exhibit and Cultural Research Specialist at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, discuss the symbolism of the "We the People" artcar.

A young American is curious about the "We The People" artcar and it's symbolism.

Dr. Bob, McLeod and Janie Hendrix

 

Janie Hendrix and Jimi's famous patchwork coat.

Janie Hendrix, Dr. Zoh and Dr. Bob in front of Jimi's famous patchwork coat.

Bill Miller, American Native musician (Mohegan) and Dr. Bob.

Bill performing with Derek Miller (Mohawk).