JJ Otero
As a child, JJ Otero (Navajo/Hopi) listened to so much AM Rez Radio his uncle’s nicknamed him Radio Station. He started playing guitar at age 17, and returned to the instrument in earnest in 2007 to sing his way through heartache and tough times.
The rawness and authenticity of Otero’s music has won over audiences, and several prestigious awards. He calls his rich blend of rock, soul, and blues “Native-Soul-Rock”. In 2013, “Protected (Beauty All Around),” a song that is sung entirely in Navajo, was named best Rock Song at the Native American Music Awards. The song was recorded by Otero’s group, Son of Hwéeldi. In April 2017, Son of Hwéeldi received three New Mexico Music Awards nominations: Best Rock CD for the album “019910,” Best World Beat song for “Me & The 99,” and Best Native song for “Tó éí ííná át’é.”
Producer and sound engineer Bill Palmer says, “J. J.’s a rare bird. He has a really distinct, original sound to him. He’s the poet laureate of the Native rock scene.”
Otero is also an accomplished artist, creating bold silver jewelry with unique stampwork and inlaid woodwork.
See his art at https://www.facebook.com/jj.otero.art/