The connections between roots music and Indigenous culture run deep. In the ’60s, artists such as Willie Dunn and Willie Thrasher forged the archetype of the Indigenous folk-singer activist, with songs that spoke to the struggles of their people in no uncertain terms, yet were still melodic enough to reach mainstream audiences. That legacy has endured well into the 21st century through singer-songwriters like William Prince and alt-pop visionaries like iskwē, while a broader awareness of Indigenous music across Turtle Island has led to a renewed appreciation of overlooked ’70s folk-rock pioneers like Willie Thrasher. This playlist spans the history of Indigenous roots trailblazers throughout the decades, alongside artwork created for Apple Music by Mvskoke (Creek) Nation and Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma painter Micah Wesley. We regularly update this playlist with new music. If you hear something you like, add it to your library.