Robert “Tree” Cody (also known in the Maricopa language as Oou-Kas Mah Quet or “Thunder Bear”) was born April 20, 1951, in Los Angeles, California. He was a Native American flutist, dancer, artist, educator, and actor who performed throughout the United States, continental Europe, Canada, Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, East Asia, Central & South America and Mexico.
As an enrolled member of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Community and of Dakota heritage, Cody shared his knowledge of Native American culture, song, dance, and music as a performer and invited lecturer at concert halls, universities, museums, schools, and colleges throughout the world.
A versatile flute player and a gifted singer, Cody released eleven albums on the Canyon Records label. His recording Crossroads, brought together, for the first time, the music of the native people of the Great Plains and Mexico. This album teamed him with Mayan flutist Xavier Quijas Yxayotl (Huichol).
On the award-winning Native Flamenco, he fused the Native American cedar flute with flamenco guitar and ethnic percussion into a hot, lively sound. Guitarist Ruben Romero and percussionist Tony Redhouse, performed with him on this groundbreaking recording.
The album Maze traveled a musical journey through the Southwest. Set prior to European arrival to Turtle Island, a wanderer of the North travels and meets the nations of the Southwest. Maze was a Native American Music Awards winner as Best New Age Album of 1999, and its track “The Bird Song” was a finalist as Best Song of the Year.
In 1999, Cody appeared as a featured guest artist on a Windham Hill modern jazz release by Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons.
Cody had a remarkable ability to communicate with people of all cultures. His knowledge of six Native American languages, in addition to English, Spanish, and a bit of French and Japanese, was useful when he traveled abroad. Cody held a special place in his heart for young people of all cultures, and generously gave his time and many talents for people in need.
On November 19, 2022, Robert “Tree” Cody was honored with the Native American Music Awards (NAMA) Lifetime Achievement Award during the 20th Awards show in New York. Upon receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award, Tree gave an interview with the O’odham Action News, a bi-weekly publication by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. He said, “I feel that this is an award that is pretty cool to receive. It takes a lot of work, hard concentration and a lot of history research. I feel very humbled and honored to be chosen for this award.” Tree was also very thankful for all of his family’s support throughout the years.
In 2015, he participated in the Longest Walk 5 in New Mexico with his wife Rachel Kee-Cody. In 2016, he appeared on Netflix’s contemporary crime drama “Longmire”, Episode 5, as a singer in the sweat lodge scene. He also was an extra for season 6. Over the past few years, Tree continued to perform locally throughout New Mexico and frequently at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Robert Tree Cody was last working on a new album that he wanted to dedicate to the tribes in the Southwest, especially in the Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico, where he resided.
On September 14, 2023, after a long illness with medical complications, Robert Tree Cody passed away at the age of 72 with his wife Rachel by his side.
Discography:
Traditional Flute Music Of The Native American (Canyon Records, 1988)
Young Eagle’s Flight (Canyon Records, 1991)
White Buffalo (Canyon Records, 1996)
Dreams From The Grandfather (Canyon Records, 1996)
Native Brotherhood, with Ruben Romero (New Earth Records, 2001)
Maze (Canyon Records, 2002)
Reflections (Canyon Records, 2003)
Heart of the Wind – Music for Native American Flute and Drums, with Will Clipman (Canyon Records, 2006)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.