The Drum Is The Center Of My Life

Larry Long’s Drum Is The Center Of My Life is a moving and profound musical collaboration that honors the voices, rhythms, and stories of Native American elders, specifically from the Upper Midwest. More than just an album, it is a living oral history set to music—bridging generations and cultures through the power of song.

At the heart of the album is Larry Long’s signature approach: he listens deeply to the lived experiences of community elders and transforms those stories into lyrical, respectful tributes. With Drum Is The Center Of My Life, Long centers Indigenous identity, history, and resilience. The title itself speaks volumes—framing the drum not only as a musical instrument but as a spiritual heartbeat, a cultural lifeline, and a source of communal strength.

The songs on the album blend traditional Native drumming and singing with folk-style storytelling and acoustic arrangements. Long acts not as a frontman, but as a conduit—amplifying the voices of those too often left out of mainstream narratives. Tracks like “Rez Car” and “Wakanheja” (meaning “Sacred Child” in Lakota) illustrate the deep connections between place, memory, and identity, while “We Are the Grandfathers” speaks to ancestral continuity and wisdom.

Production-wise, the album maintains an earthy, organic tone that complements its themes. It feels intimate and respectful, never overproduced or commercialized—more like a communal gathering than a stage performance. This raw authenticity is part of what makes it so powerful.

As a cultural artifact, Drum Is The Center Of My Life contributes to the preservation and celebration of Indigenous stories. As a musical experience, it invites reflection, reverence, and listening—not just to music, but to the people and histories it honors.

In short, Larry Long has crafted not just an album, but a shared space for healing, remembrance, and cultural celebration. Drum Is The Center Of My Life is essential listening for anyone interested in folk music, Native American heritage, or socially conscious art that aims to uplift rather than appropriate.

A deeply respectful and resonant collaboration that centers community, history, and the enduring rhythm of the drum.