RON WALKSHORSE
BORN: August 11, 1956


A'HO!
My name is Ronald "Buddy" WalksHorse. I am the oldest member of the "Lizzy Redshawl" Band. I am proud of the fact that I taught myself to play the harmonica beginning at the age of six. Since then I have ventured out and now play the Native American flute, many percussion instruments, assist with back-up vocals and am presently working on learning the keyboard. I play mostly by ear as I cannot read music and enjoy writing music lyrics as well.
Randall is my brother and we are the great-grandsons of Lizzy Redshawl(for whom the band is named). We are of Welsh/Irish decent and of the Lakota People and the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. We have family located on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota and many adopted family members throughout the country.
I am a proud member of A.I.M.(American Indian Movement). I was there at the 'KNEE'in'73 where I was arrested and detained for trying to bring in food and supplies to those holding out in the old church. I believe in fighting for and preserving our traditional values to pass on to our younger generation. Each year when I go back to the 'Rez'I assist many Elders with things that need to be repaired or replaced around the house.
I am proud to be a Lakota Warrior, having served in the U.S.NAVY during the last part of the Vietnam Conflict where I was involved with the UNDERWATER DEMOLITION and SPECIAL FORCES TEAMS. After being wounded in combat, I was later trained in FireFighting and have been a Professional FireFighter now for over twenty years working for the ARMY.
I have also worked on many movies throughout the years constructing sets and signs and creating wardrobe and props.
Some of these might sound familiar to you:
PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE,GRIZZLY ADAMS,JEREMIAH JOHNSON,DEATH RACE 2000,SUNDOWN:A VAMPIRE'S RETREAT,CRAZY HORSE,SON OF MORNING STAR,DANCES WITH WOLVES,THUNDERHEART,LAKOTA WOMAN,THE STAND,WAY OF THE GUN,and PLANET OF THE APES(remake).
I did not set out specifically to play music. It wasn't until my brother, Randall, wanted to involve me, and recognized talents of which I did not know I had, that I decided to enlist. Now, I love it! I like being a part of the creative process. From start to finish this whole process has been a truly exciting and fascinating adventure for me.
My influences include Fleetwood Mac,Paul McCartney,George Harrison,John Lennon,Ringo Starr,Nat King Cole,Three Dog Night,The Monkees,Alan Parsons, The Guess Who,Santana,Paul Revere and the Raiders,Buffy St.Marie and Buddy Redbow(a cherished friend that left this world too early but continues his 'journey somewhere in the spirit world').
I am a LEO. My favorite color is green. Some of my hobbies include Martial Arts,Western Re-enactments and Quick Draw,Metal Sculpture and Movie Prop Design. I am active in the Study and Preservation of Native American History, Culture, Tradition and Crafts and a contributing PowWow committee member.
My goal is to share with people our music. Each song has a message for those willing to listen. The message from the song should be the same. It is for each individual to decide as to what our music means to them personally(should they desire).
"MITAKUYE OYASIN!"
(All My Relatives)