Louie Gonnie
Louie Gonnie has been surrounded and supported by the songs and traditions of the Diné and the Native American Church from an early age. Gonnie blends spiraling melodies with an artistic vision spanning art, poetry and sound.
About Louie Gonnie
“My name is Louie Gonnie. I am a Zuni descendant, Tábąąhí (Edge Water Clan), born for Tl’aashchí’í (Red Streak Under the Eye) clan. My maternal clan is the Todích’íi’nii (Bitter Water People) and my paternal clan is the Nát’oh Dine’é Táchii’nii (Tobacco People/Red Streak running in the Water Clan). I was born in the Diné (Navajo) Nation at a place called Antelope Springs. Singing by the age of 5 under the guidance of my father and uncles, I was taught to respect my elders and the healing ways of my people. A major influence in my life is my grandfather, Haastíín Gonnie, a noted medicine man, for his never ending devotion to humanity. It is his teachings that guide me on this journey through life. The prayer is my canvas and the songs represent the colors that become my art. As a third generation singer, with traditional values kept in mind, music has a profound impact on my daily existence. Singing is who I am.” – Louie Gonnie
Other Buffalo Jump Artists
Photography – Stephen Butler, Buffalo Jump Records