Biography
John DePriest spent most of his formative years in Possum Town, Mississippi, and has been performing music nearly all his life, with banjo as his primary instrument. After studying at Belmont University in Nashville, he moved to New Orleans in 2009 where he serves as a sideman for several bands and is the bandleader of Bogue Chitto. In addition to music, John earned a PhD in Linguistics at Tulane, and works in Tulane’s EAPP Program. He is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, and is working to expand the use of the Choctaw language.
Research
Choctaw music has a long history and an active present. From social dance songs, to new and old hymns, to original music composed in the language, there is great breadth and depth to the music that outsiders rarely hear. This project is designed to record and imagine Choctaw music in the 21st century, both for the Choctaw community, and the wider world at large. To do so, this project will record an album of Choctaw music including all the categories above, as well as songs written by artists with Choctaw heritage. These songs and recordings will incorporate influences from many of the music styles that thrive in the Choctaw homelands, including blues, bluegrass, and funk, while keeping traditions intact. Whether for teaching the language, or for learning old songs, or for demonstrating the vitality of the Choctaw Culture, Chahta Taloa: Sipokni micha Himona (Choctaw Music: Old and New), hopes to serve as a resource for Choctaw people, both now and in the future, while showcasing the beauty and diversity of our people’s traditions and innovation.
