“It’s been a terrific few years for music documentaries, and that winning streak continues with Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World.
“The film examines the influence of Native Americans on popular music. What at first seems like a thin topic — quick, name two Native American musicians — becomes a master class in the mixing of cultures.
“The survey starts with the guitarist Link Wray, who was Shawnee. Wray 'made an indelible mark on the whole evolution of where rock ’n’ roll was going to go,' Robbie Robertson of The Band says. Wray’s 1958 single, Rumble, was banned from airplay in several cities amid worries that it would incite teenage gang violence (despite being a wordless, instrumental tune), and Wray’s guitar line seems to echo in every power chord you’ve heard.
“Directed by Catherine Bainbridge, 'Rumble' takes a few serious turns even as it remains lively throughout. If you couldn’t name two Native American musicians at the beginning of the documentary, you’ll remember at least a half-dozen after the end. And it’s a good bet you’ll be searching for their albums, too.” - The New York Times