Grammy-nominated Native American musician and ‘Gentle Giant,’ Robert Tree Cody dies at 72

Known to his friends and family as Tree, Cody, an enrolled member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, leaves a legacy behind

Robert Tree Cody, the award-winning, Grammy-nominated Native American musician and flute player who had released five albums with Canyon Records and had received numerous awards and accolades over the course of his career, has died at the age of 72.  

Cody was the adopted son of Iron Eyes Cody and Bertha Parker and traveled the world dancing and playing the traditional Native flute. He was an enrolled member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

According to his wife, Rachel Cody, Robert Tree Cody was a man of eternal kindness and goodwill. And at 6’9”, Rachel Cody says he certainly deserved his nickname ‘Tree.’

“He was a gentle giant who stood at 6 feet 9 inches tall. He was such a big man; I remember that when I met him. He was so kind. He had such a deep voice. He was known for being kind and loving.”

Rachel Cody also wanted the world to know that Robert was also a warm and gentle spirit who cherished sharing stories, music and words of advice to younger kids. 

“It was amazing how he interacted with children. His voice was very calming, and he would just put them at ease. Most children have an attention span that lasts for about three minutes. But when he talked, they would just listen from the beginning, until the end when he would say ‘listen to your teachers, your parents and elders.’”

In Cody’s career, he traveled the world playing the Native American flute, as well as dancing. In 2007, the Canyon Records album “Heart of the Wind,” featuring Robert Tree Cody and Will Clipman, was nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award for best Native American recording.

One of his close friends, Lakota traditional dancer Norman Roach spoke fondly over a longtime family friend.

“Tree was a very good friend of myself and my family for over 40 years. He was a great performer, singer and dancer. He received many awards at the Nammy’s (Native American Music Awards) and was a head dancer at pow wows. He was very active in the Native community. As a person, he was someone who was always willing to help.

He was also a great basketball player in college. He also spoke six languages, including Dine’, Lakota, Maricopa, Spanish, English and German.

An outpouring of support and Cody’s last moments 

Rachel Cody also shared with Native Viewpoint that she was profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support from Indian Country on social media who have sent messages of support.

“It is unbelievable this outreach, and they knew what a wonderful person he was.”  

She relayed that the past few months had been a bit tough until Cody eventually passed.

“The past few months took its toll. He struggled with health issues and passed on due to a blood disease. The transfusions helped. They tried everything, but he eventually passed in his sleep.”

Rachel remembered the last loving interaction she shared with Robert. 

“I said, ‘I love you,’ and he said, ‘I love you more. Please be safe. I’ll see you again soon.’  

“People saw the love we had,” shared Rachel. “Tomorrow is not promised.” 

A GoFundMe to help Robert Tree Cody return to his home territory

The family has set up a GoFundMe for the transport and funeral services of Robert Tree Cody.

DONATE HERE: https://www.gofundme.com/f/robert-tree-cody

As the family writes:  

Hello everyone, this GoFundMe account is being set up for the transport and funeral services for our beloved Robert Tree Cody. We are unfortunately finding many expenses that are incurring for the transportation from New Mexico to Arizona. Our sister Rachel is humbly asking for any donation you can to help honor Tree’s wishes to be taken home. We are grateful for any donation that can be made. May our Creator bless each and every one of you.

Robert Tree Cody passed away on September 14, 2023. He was 72 years old.