Red Hoop Talk EP 92: Mary Youngblood, Seminole and Aleut

Mary Youngblood, a citizen of the Seminole and Aleut Nations, is a trailblazing musician and the first woman to professionally record the Native flute. She is also the first woman to win not just one, but two Grammy Awards for Best Native American Music Album. A classically trained flutist with a lifetime of musicianship that began with piano lessons at age six and guitar at ten, Mary’s path has always been guided by a deep connection to music and her culture.

Mary was gifted her first wooden Native flute as an adult—a moment that sparked a lifelong dedication to mastering the instrument, traditionally played only by men. Her music blends classical, blues, and traditional Native sounds to create haunting, melodic compositions that have captivated audiences across generations. With over 250 hand-carved flutes in her collection, each song she performs is uniquely shaped by the spirit and texture of the instrument itself.

She has released six acclaimed albums with Silver Wave Records, including Dance With the Wind, which won the 2007 Grammy Award, and Beneath the Raven Moon, which earned her the 2003 Grammy. Her recordings have also been recognized by the Native American Music Awards, the Association for Independent Music, and the New Age Voice, among others. Collaborating with legendary artists such as Ian Anderson, Bill Miller, and Joanne Shenandoah, Mary’s albums blend original melodies with messages of healing, identity, and connection to the natural world.
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Mary is also a respected educator and mentor who shares her knowledge of music and culture with the next generations. Her performances are known for their spiritual resonance, transforming the stage into a sacred space where music becomes both prayer and storytelling.
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Mary lives in Northern California, where she continues to compose, teach, and “dance with the wind” alongside the trees that inspire her.

Written by Association on American Indian Affairs