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JACK GLADSTONEBlackfeet Indian
Jack Gladstone grew up immersed in the rich oral tradition of the American
West. His great, great grandfather Red Crow, legendary chief of the Blood Tribe,
was a great warrior and orator. Another grandfather was William Gladstone, a
carpenter who helped build Montana's Fort Benton and Alberta's Fort Whoop Up. In
understanding the stories of their lives, Jack has discovered both adventure and
harmony within Indian and white cultures. Many of the stories Jack shares were related to him by his Blackfeet grandmother. She recounted the stories of her life and the mythology of their Blackfeet Indian people, something Jack holds sacred to this day. "The vibration and intonation of her voice, her gestures and flashing eyes were mesmerizing," says Jack. "In Seattle, my grandmother was the oasis of illumination for our Indian heritage." On the morning of her funeral in 1980, he wrote a moving tribute to her life thanking her for her stories, wisdom and guidance. "Speak to Me Grandma" has become a special song in each of Jack's performances. Born in Seattle, Washington to a Montana Blackfeet father and a German American mother, Jack was a standout scholar athlete in high school. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Washington and proudly wears a Rose Bowl Championship ring from his time with the Huskies. More importantly, he graduated with a degree in Speech Communications.
In 1985, Jack founded a lecture series for Glacier National Park, organizing and delivering presentations focusing on Blackfeet history and culture. The interweaving of mythology and song is so popular that the "Native American Speaks" series has just completed its twelfth season and was recently presented, by The Council for American Indian Interpretation, an award for "excellence in the interpretation of American Indian culture." Jack is masterful at blending legend, history and metaphor into song. With his knowledge and insightful communication skills, Jack enlightens his audiences and provides an alternative perspective of humanism, with reverence and concern for the world and all the living beings within it. From his touching and uplifting songs to his epic ballads of historical events and biographical profiles, Jack presents a clear picture in our mind of what has transpired. Recently, Jack was presented a Human Rights Award for Outstanding Community Service. The MSU-Northern Human Rights Committee, sponsors of the award, described Jack as a "bridge builder," "an ambassador of goodwill for all Indian people" and a "modern-day warrior."
Active in the National Association for Campus Activities since 1987, Jack has showcased at nineteen regional and two national conferences. In 1994, he was a nominee for a Campus Entertainment Award. As a roster artist for Young Audiences of Montana since 1990, Jack has been delivering programs on "Native American Oral Tradition" to elementary and secondary students in Montana. He continues to receive acclaim from educators for his thought-provoking performances.
Jack Gladstone is a bridge builder. His songs and stories link cultures. Mr.
Gladstone is an ambassador of goodwill for all Indian people. He is genuinely
humble and sincere in his efforts to promote multi-cultural awareness and in
representing his culture and heritage to others. He is a modern day
warrior."
LETTERS FROM LISTENERS"It took only a few songs to realize that we were in the presence of a
unique artist. Mr. Gladstone utilizes his considerable musical gifts to express
a vision that is powerful and personal, yet resonant with the force of
political/philosophical truths. The generosity of spirit and bursts of humor
that shine through the music make listening a multi-faceted pleasure and
continued fascination." "We enjoyed Jack's program so much that we attended twice. From myself
down to our four-year-old, we all sat spellbound for an hour, and have been
humming his songs for the last month. I cannot express the impact that this man
made on my family."
IN PRAISE FROM PRESENTERS"Gladstone has honed his native Blackfeet storytelling abilities with a
sophisticated understanding of mythology and art...designing music that speaks
to the spiritual within us. He mines history and mythology for stories that
touch a deeper chord than normal these days." "Bring Jack back," shouted the students. Jack arrived on our
campus, gave a fantastic performance that was both informative as well as
entertaining. When Jack left he took his equipment with him, but he left behind
the "SPIRIT." "The concert can only be described as incredible. The juxtaposition of
pictures and music was a dynamic touch. Jack enraptured the audience with his
first note, and didn't let go until the final chord. The entire day was a
complete success, exceeding the expectations of all our programming
boards." "In both settings, in the gym (in your program for fifth graders) and in the concert hall, your decency as a human being and the thoughtfulness of what you say and sing in your music comes through. You also tackle issues that are educational without being preachy and prompt further exploration of important issues. We at Young Audiences are so proud to be associated with you." Lucia Work, Board Member Young Audiences of Montana "Your music has a very moving message. The combination of the visual
presentation and the lyrics create lasting images in one's mind. I feel very
privileged to have experienced meeting you and hearing your music." "Rarely have I been so touched emotionally and spiritually as I was by
your music and songs. You helped make our event very special. All day long
people have been stopping me to say how impressed they were with your voice,
your stories and your musical talents. Your message transcends age, sex, culture
and race. You truly had something to say to everyone, and I thank you from the
bottom of my heart!"
copyright 1997 |
After
college, Jack returned to his native homeland and put down roots. On the
Blackfeet Reservation in northern Montana, he taught Public Speaking at the
local community college for four years. It was during this time that he also
deepened his knowledge of American Indian tradition and history.
Jack
released his fourth album, "Noble
Heart," in early 1996. It was recently nominated for "Best
Independently Produced CD" by the Kerrville Music Foundation, a
prestigious songwriter's organization. Other albums include "Wolves
on Sea and Plain" (1988), "In
the Shadow of Mt. Lassen" (1991) and "Buckskin
Poet Society" (1993). In addition to music, he contributed a chapter in
the book "War Against the Wolf" by Rick McIntyre, describing an
American Indian point of view regarding the wolf.
Jack's
informative and inspirational shows have been enjoyed by audiences from Alaska
to California and from New York to Florida. He has performed for audiences of
all sizes in venues ranging from intimate house concerts to large festivals. As
a mainstage concert performer, a coffeehouse entertainer or a cultural lecturer,
Jack Gladstone is a multi-qualified alternative to your event programming.