Redbone, the pioneering Native American rock band, was not entirely banned in the US; rather, their significant song, "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee," faced widespread bans and limited airplay on several radio stations across the United States during the 1970s. This censorship stemmed directly from the song's controversial and politically charged subject matter.
The Song at the Center of the Controversy
Released in 1973, "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee" is a powerful and poignant track that directly addresses the brutal Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. This historical event saw the US Army's massacre of hundreds of unarmed Lakota people, primarily women, children, and elders, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
The song served as a direct statement, drawing a parallel between the historical injustice and the ongoing struggles for Indigenous rights in the 1970s, a period marked by significant Native American activism, including the Wounded Knee Occupation of 1973 by the American Indian Movement (AIM).
Reasons for Radio Bans
Radio stations in the 1970s often exercised caution when it came to broadcasting overtly political or controversial content. The reasons for the ban on Redbone's song included:
- Sensitive Subject Matter: The graphic historical event of the Wounded Knee Massacre, coupled with its relevance to contemporary Native American rights movements, was deemed too sensitive or provocative for mainstream airwaves.
- Perceived Anti-American Sentiment: Some might have interpreted the song's critical stance on US Army actions as anti-establishment or unpatriotic, leading to reluctance from stations to play it.
- Fear of Alienating Audiences: Broadcasters may have feared that playing such a politically charged song could alienate advertisers or a segment of their listening audience.
Historical Context: The Wounded Knee Massacre
The Wounded Knee Massacre remains a profound and painful event in American history, symbolizing the brutal suppression of Native American peoples and the violation of treaties. Understanding this context is crucial to grasping the song's significance and why it evoked such strong reactions.
- Date: December 29, 1890
- Location: Wounded Knee Creek, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota
- Combatants: Lakota people and the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the US Army
- Outcome: Between 150 and 300 Lakota men, women, and children were killed, along with 25 US soldiers. Many of the Lakota dead were unarmed.
The massacre is widely regarded as one of the last major armed conflicts between the US federal government and the Plains Indians, marking a tragic end to centuries of warfare and displacement. For more details on this historical event, you can refer to resources like the Library of Congress or Britannica.
Impact and Legacy of the Song
Despite the radio bans, "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee" resonated deeply within Native American communities and among those sympathetic to their cause. While not achieving the widespread commercial success of their hit "Come and Get Your Love," the song cemented Redbone's reputation as more than just a pop band. It highlighted their commitment to using their platform to raise awareness about Indigenous issues and history.
The song's censorship also underscored the challenges artists faced when attempting to use music as a medium for political commentary, particularly when that commentary challenged dominant historical narratives.
| Song Title | Subject Matter | Reason for Ban/Censorship | Era |
|---|---|---|---|
| "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee" | The 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre and Native American rights | Controversial political content; historical sensitivity | 1970s |
Redbone, as a band with strong Native American roots (Chippewa, Yaqui, and Shoshone ancestry), consistently infused their music with elements of their heritage, contributing significantly to Native American representation in popular music. Learn more about their musical journey on platforms like AllMusic.
