Navajo rez band the Thunders

50 years of The Thunders

Legendary rez band to celebrate five decades of music making

By Jan-Mikael PattersonThe Thunders is celebrating over 50 years of playing country-western music for reservation audiences Saturday, July 31, from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Fort Defiance Chapter House, and everyone is invited.

"I'm inviting everyone to come out and celebrate with us," said Leonard Yazzie, the only remaining member of the original band.

"Everyone" includes former band members, booking agents, fans, fellow bands and musicians, friends and relatives, he said.

The band has performed throughout the reservation and the Southwest over five decades, and has performed with major stars such as Creedence Clearwater Revival and George Jones.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Country Rez Bands, The Navajo Woodstock, and Navajo Country Music Fest.