Jimmy Shendo (1954-2009)

Uncle Jimmy

Jimmy Shendo (November 28, 1954- December 7, 2009)

Some photos used here are from Jimmy's Myspace page.

About Jimmy Shendo

2009 Moiety music was nominated for a New Mexico Music award. The album "The Town Crier" won for Best Traditional, and "Walking The Life Road" was nominated for Best Contemporary. Walking The Life Road is on CDbaby.com. The Town Crier, will be on cdbaby soon. Native American, native from Jemez Pueblo, NM. Educaton, Eastern NM University graduated in 1988 with a double major. I did some graduate work in anthropology with an emphasis in Southwest Indian History. Educator by profession. I have been involved in music all my life. Been away from home for 17 years. I have lived in several cities and decided to come home and contribute to the community. I have a very traditionally and cultural upbringing. My parents were very strict. My experiences have taken me throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. My favorite place to perform was Hawaii. My music is all about traditional values. The music reminds us of how we once lived in a community with extended family. We have somehow forgotten those values. My group Moiety has been together for about 10 years. The word Moiety means, basically two groups of people that make up one tribe. Our tribe has the pumpking and turquoise, which make up the tribe. My first album was "Eagle Dancer", and the next one I released was the flute album called "The Towne Crier". My next album is " Walking the Life Road". I enjoy singing and playing music. I have been influenced by many but the most is a Native Canadian band called Kashtin, Keith Secola (a brother) and the Eagles. I am self taught, but I have been singing since I was a little boy. Music has just become my life. My music is blessed and inspired by the things I believe in. The Great Spirit is the Mighty One.

Band Members

These are some of the people who help me with my music. Jimmy Shendo (Jemez Pueblo) Acoustic, electric guitar, and flute. Mike Sandoval (San Felipe Pueblo) Keyboards and bass. Jamiebird Yellow Horse (Navajo/Laguna) Lead guitar. Vinton Zunie (Zuni Pueblo) Rhythm guitar. Myron Westika (Zuni Pueblo) Bass. Adrian Wall (Jemez/Chippewa) Bass, Mandolin, flute. Ed Kabotie (Hopi/ Santa Clara Pueblo) Drums. Fred Vigil (Jemez/Jicarilla) Drums. Cliff Fragua (Jemez Pueblo) Percussions. Clifford Vigil Sr. (Jemez Pueblo) Pueblo Drums. Clifford Vigil Jr. (Jemez Pueblo) Pueblo Drums. Mike Swick, Bass. Rick Hale, keyboards. Orrie Vigil (Jircarilla Apache) Lead guitar.

My Uncle Jimmy was a great musician. He not only knew how to play the Native American Style Flute, but he could also play the guitar really well, as well as, sing really well. He told great stories about his life through his songs, and he made our lives a little bit better every time his music was played.

He was a very kind and gentle man. He never held a grudge. He was always warm and welcome whenever we visited. My daughter Amy was real fond of him and yelled out his name every time we passed him on the road or by his house. "Uncle Jimmy!", she would yell out before she ran over to give him a hug. I wish she could have known him a lot longer, because I know he still had much more to teach her and the rest of us.

He taught me that Jemez people are strong. He gave us a proud voice no one else could have given us. Uncle Jimmy gave me the strength and inspiration to perform. I was lucky enough to gift him a flute I had made from Douglas Fir that I brought home from the Jemez Mountains to the North. He had this flute and his other flutes with him on that early winter morning, December 7, 2009 (News Report), when the spirits called for him to come home. All his flutes survived except one, one of his favorites made for him by Paul Thompson.

I had so many things I wanted to share with him: new flutes, new flute music, new website. I'm sure he will take a look at everything when he gets the chance. Uncle Jimmy was always proud of his family and I am very proud of him.

All we have of Uncle Jimmy are the life lessons of the Original Fry Bread Lover, the music of the Original Town Crier, and the memories of the Original Woodchopper's Son.

You will live forever in the hearts of Jemez People and with everyone who knew you.

T’ékǫnǫpah Tómú̢

Thank You Uncle Jimmy.

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