AN ASSINIBOINE AND HIS SOUSAPHONE: THE LIFE & LEGACY OF JOHN KUHN.

The article focuses on the life and legacy of John Kuhn (1882–1962), an Assiniboine Native American and renowned tuba and sousaphone player in the United States. Born on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Kuhn overcame the challenges of his time—including cultural assimilation policies and widespread prejudice—to build a distinguished musical career. He studied at Fort Shaw and Haskell Indian Industrial Schools, performed with prominent ensembles such as the Sousa Band, Isham Jones Orchestra, and NBC Radio Orchestra, and was influential in the development and endorsement of sousaphone instruments, including the Conn "Chief" mouthpiece. Despite myths and disputed claims—such as playing football at Carlisle Indian School or riding with Buffalo Bill—Kuhn’s documented achievements highlight his role as a pioneering Native American musician who bridged Indigenous heritage and mainstream American music during the early to mid-20th century.