For the record they were a great rock and roll band. Some of the best American rock on radio at the time, Hungry, Just Like Me, Him or Me, What’s It Gonna Be, are perfect AM radio songs. Kicks is one of the only ant-drug songs at a time when the opposite was cool.
Indian Reservation was originally released and a #20 hit by an Ex member of the British group the Sorrows, Don Fardon in 1968. The Raiders version started out as a solo project by Mark Lindsay but was credited to the group and became their only number 1 hit. Mark does have some Indian heritage and has been involved in their causes.
Before anyone lambasts the group for being anti-American, members were drafted and Drake left the group to serve in the National Guard. Ask the Vets in the Ride to the wall Foundation about Paul Revere’s dedication to them and his support. You can hardly lump these guys into the category of America haters in their prime.
I still say their verison of Steppin’ Stone is superior to the Monkees version and should’ve been their hit.
I heard the Don Fardon version on the radio in the summer of 1968.
Interestingly, most of the Cherokee don't live on reservations.
Thanks for that information. I was living in Seattle during much of The Raiders’ success, listening on Colorful KOL, Thirteen Double Oh.