THE ROCK PROPHET
The ROCK PROPHET could best be described as a Non-fiction feature length film that tells the story of the Native American who gave rock music it’s succession of legends by creating a sound that would not otherwise exist 1) The POWER CHORD & 2) DISTORTION – this film tells a story, not of simply music and this man’s timeless and pivotal influence that quite literally created the genre of Rock Music itself , but brings to light in the way only a true story can, the plight of the poor, uneducated Native American.
Today, his song ‘Rumble’ echoes on, in TV Commericials ( EX. ) and in the Cinemas. It is a staple of Directors seeking to impose a feeling of intensity and it undeniably carries with it the backbeat of his Shawnee heritage.
The fight to claim his heritage in a world of discrimination and prejudice amidst survival from extreme poverty and pursuit by the Ku Klux Klan to become ( artistically) ‘worshiped’ by rock’s greatest guitarists – ever – is an unfathomable tale. Although his name is largely unknown by today’s radio listeners, his own career faded into obscurity for reasons the film will disclose, in 2023 LINK WRAY was admitted to the ROCK and ROLL HALL OF FAME , posthumously.
This man shunned the pressure by record company executives to transform his looks and musical style to meld in with the white man appearances of the era, and came forward openly with pride as a Native American . Without acknowledgement until his descendants such as Led Zepplins’ Jimmy Page , The Who’s Pete Townsend , Bruce Spingsteen, Bob Dylan and countless others proclaim they are forever indebted to his inspiration, he is called LINK WRAY , The DNA of ROCK N ROLL . `
This is the true story of a heroic man, cut back by the outside influences of society. A man who was pure of heart in his aim, simple as it was, to play music and to be his true self. Despite his immeasurable contribution to music and musicians, his brother , who managed his career and output, was the only one who lived a comfortable life from its proceeds …and drove a Cadillac all the way to the bank. Link Wray died penniless.