Joseph Reuben Silverbird was born the son of wisdom keepers, Florinda Blair, related to the family of Sequoia, and Joe Ortiz, Nedni, (Mexican Apache/Spanish), who was proud to be related to Josefa Ortiz De Dominguez. He explains that some of the most outspoken Chiefs and leaders of his people are half-breeds, and in many cases not even half. Chief John Ross, who was the longest serving Chief of the Cherokees, was the son of a 1/8 Cherokee & White Mother, and a European Dutch father. And fought the hardest for his Cherokee Nation. Geronimo's grandfather was a Nedni. Geronimo himself was born in Mexico. Silverbird is a Metis who carries the same passion and suffering of his people and is very proud of his mixed heritage. Unlike most full-blooded Natives of the early and mid-1900's, being a Mestizo was an acceptance buffer for him and his family from the area where they performed, because full bloods were still thought of as outsiders in the circles of the white society. Though he did not grow up in a reservation, he fights just as hard for the injustices perpetrated against his people: and it is reflected in many of the songs he writes, records and sings on his stage appearances: some can be heard on media such as YouTube. He was weaned on the theatrical stage from age six by his thespian and musical parents: Owners of the most popular traveling stage shows in the Southwest, during the early 1930's through the early 1950's. After finishing his studies at Albuquerque High School in 1951 he went into the Military Service where he served his country during the Korean incident. He was selected to teach electronics at Camp Roberts California during the day and served as an entertainer with Special Services at night with his ventriloquism dummy Don Lolo and singing songs with his guitar: he met and worked with many up and coming stars like Debbie Reynolds, who had just made her first film, "Singing in the Rain"; he did a show with Raymond Burr, the Andrew Sisters, at the Cow Palace in San Francisco: worked with James Arrnes and many others that invited him to come to Hollywood after his discharge to pursue an acting career in films. He had given that real serious thought, but on the day of his discharge from the Military, some one came to tell him his family was waiting at the main military gate for him. That completely shattered his Hollywood dream, and he went with his siblings on what turned out to be a pretty hard trail, since he was the eldest and they all depended on him. He gathered the sisters that had strayed, and he formed a trio with a sister and brother. They gained overnight popularity on early television. They recorded and had several territorial hits. "In Lovely Old New Mexico", written by Minnie Mae Everette from Odesa, Texas; followed by "Maldita Distancia" which he wrote in Spanish. They became even more popular with his song and the TV show on KGGM-TV, a CBS affiliate, that included his Ventriloquism dummy Don Lolo who became an overnight signature star in the show as well. Four years later they left for California. After a failed TV show in Fresno, California, they moved to Los Angeles, where after some struggle, using the name The Coronados, they won a contest contract with Stan Irwin of the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas: they appeared on the first Tonight Show. From the Sahara, their management Gabbe, Lutz, Heller & Loeb, acquired an indefinite contract from Jack Entratter at the Sands hotel. They went from there to the biggest club in New York City, the Copacabana. Needless to say, they had reached great success: appearing on major TV shows like, The Ed Sullivan Show. However, there was continuous conflict between one of the members and Joseph. There was a terrible argument in the dressing room, during the Copacabana engagement. Certainly, the group was not happy: typical of many family-type groups: Joseph has vivid memories of the Andrew Sister quarreling at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, before appearing on stage. After a long quarrelsome lapse of time, Patty Andrews came on stage and smilingly introduced Joseph and his Dummy Don Lolo who appeared before them. Along the way, he learned that most family acts did not get along: the Crosby brothers, sons of Bing, canceled dates continuously because of family feuding.... Joseph, being a workaholic, that he still is, had acquired a commitment from American Tobacco to sponsor a family TV Docu/show. In his search for a producer, one day he saw a Johnny Cash Special on TV: and he thought that Lane Slate, producer of the Cash show was perfect, so he began to search for him. He called Nashville and asked where he could get in touch with him, and to his surprise Lane lived a few miles from his home in Dumont, N.J. They met and talked about it, but two days later the news hit the media that Tobacco companies could no longer have TV ads, nor sponsor TV shows. He was disappointed until the following week when Lane called him and said that PBS wanted to do the special. It was one of the first true reality type shows at that time. It was called: "Silverbird, Birth of a Navajo Group". This time the TV Special included his three sons, Mark, Perry and Gil and his brother's son Jorey as well. The special brought great instant recognition to Silverbird. But even with all this success the trouble continued with Joseph's brother. And so, after many turbulent quarrels that sometimes turned violent, Joseph's brother and Jorey left the group. A few years later, Silverbird group also disbanded, and everyone went their separate ways. Today, without ill feelings, nor lose of love for his family, Silverbird continues on.... Silverbird has created a new life for himself: with journeys to the four corners of the world; from New York to California, Europe, Mexico, Israel, Australia, and Asia, He has appeared on Film, TV, Radio, and on stage in concert. His healing, original music and lyrics are an integral and essential part of his appearances. His story-telling songs, at times, relate the tragic stories of the Original Natives of the USA. The healing energy of the message in his words of wisdom relates and touches the heart of peoples, of all Creeds and walks of life, as well as his own people. As an StageActor, his protagonist roles include: Black Elk in "Black Elk Speaks", Chief Black Kettle in "Winter- man", (twice in NYC, second appearance at La Mama). "Song for Crazy Horse" in Mt. View, California Theater, "Chief Seattle" for NY College TV "Sitting Bull" for National Geographic "Chief Powhatan, father of Pocahontas. His appearances have brought him exemplary praise from both audience and Media. Spiritual Film endeavors for release in 2012 were: "The Path", by Udo Grube, who brought "the Secret" and "Bleep" to European Audiences. "Awake", that premiered in Europe in 2013, and is currently out on DVD, produced by Producer/Director Catharina Roland. "Young Harry Houdini" for Disney "I'll Take Manhattan" for Robin Craig Producer/Director. Silverbird writes, produces and performs his own Flute and Pop styled music CDs. Presently, waiting in the wings for 2015, is what started as a "One Man Show": but since he met Dick Absaroka from the Crow Nation it evolved. Under the title: "Red Blood Trail". Actor, Dick Absaroka with Atle Bakken as Musical Director and conductor, will join Silverbird, in what promises to be a first in Theater/Film/Musical Concert combined presentation. He has his own ASCAP Publishing Company: and owns his own label: Silverbird Records: 1."Indian Circle", has songs that tell some of the history of his people, and songs of peace and love. 2. Shaman Spirit (Flute Energy Music - He explains the fact that he is not a Shaman, but has great respect for true Shamanism) 3.Magic Flute - In his humble way, a tribute to his favorite classical composer Amadeus Mozart 4. Meditation - Flute and Narrated Meditation Exercises. 5. His new CD titled: "Ageless Love" will be released on September 15, 2015. He has written many magazine and newspaper articles. His latest book is titled: "My Life in Two Worlds". On Sale at: www.amazon.com - www.silverbird.us - Thirty-five years ago he conceived and co-produced, "Our World In Our Eyes" The birth of the World according to the Original Native of the USA. It was a first, in as much as it was a two-hour Cassette and a two-hour Video combined: he produced it with his partner Rob Russo. It was highly influential in the birth of the New Age era in America, that flowed on to Europe. As Ambassador for peace, he has, incisively spoken on behalf of, what he refers to as, " Evasive world peace." Millions of listeners, who hunger for peace, truth and recognition, have heard his message of the sacredness of free speech. They have heard him, either in person or over National TV, Satellite, YouTube, Twitter, FB and all other Internet and newspaper media. He has Toured Australia four times, and was invited guest Speaker at: The Parliament House in Canberra, Australia. The Nobel Institute in Oslo. By the Mayor's request, on May 17th, for the annual Freedom Day Parade in Aalesund, Norway, he joined the marching bands and huge crowds to the stage, where after his Speech and Flute Blessing a thunderous applause filled the air. In San Marino, he was engaged by the city to speak at seven schools and was the guest of honor at a dinner by the Kiwanis Club, and also invited as guest speaker at the Vienna Rotary Club. During President Clinton's Inauguration he was invited to Washington, but had to decline because he was appearing at the Richmond Virginia Theater as Corin in the Shakespeare Production of "As You Like It" and he did not have an understudy that could take his place. He appeared before 1.5 million people in front of the White House, in Washington D.C., from a convention of over a thousand spiritual leaders, he was one of seven chosen to do a World Peace blessing. His flute blessing at the Jerusalem Wailing Wall attracted religious leaders of all faiths that attentively, with great spiritual energy circled around him as he played his spiritual melody. His many friends today and in the past, have included: Floyed Westerman, (Red Crow) Russel Means, Albert White Hat, (All gone to the land beyond). He has had good friendship relationship with Oren Lyons, Joanne Shenandoah and Lionel Bordeuaux, President of Sinte Gleska University. In the late 80's Mr. Bordeaux offered Mr. Silverbird the Presidency of The Native American College Fund: a position he declined to continue pursuing a career in music, writing and as an actor and singer on stage. He also has, and has had many good friends, (some here and some gone), in the Music, film and TV world such as: Bette Midler, Johnny Carson, Chill Wills, Sammy Davis Jr., Regis Philbin, Jose Ferrer, Paul Newman Joanne Woodward, Goldie Hawn. Will Lee, from Paul Shaffer's band & David Letterman Show, where Joseph also appeared and had a nice talk with Tom Hanks in the Green Room. And of course, one of his dear friends is David Amram, famous music virtuoso: conductor/composer of the film theme "Manchurian Candidate". Great friend of Native People, whom Silverbird has appeared several times with in concert: latest appearance in 2014 in NYC.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Atle Bakken Oct 8, 20114