The beauty of Natay's singing provided an example of artistic excellence for generations of Native American to emulate and is still a source of pride. By infusing traditional songs with an artist's interpretation, Natay moved Native American music from the realm of scholars to an experience of pleasure for both Native and non-Native Americans alike.
He is the first great Native American singer.
Natay's singing led to the creation of Canyon Records. Ray Boley (pictured at left with Natay), who (with his wife Mary) had started the first recording studio in Phoenix in 1948, was asked to record Natay for a Phoenix Little Theater production. Ray was so impressed with Natay's singing that he felt the world should hear this remarkable talent. He recorded Natay in a ballet studio to create a natural echo and released the recording at the 1951 Arizona State Fair. For most of the fairgoers, the album was a curiosity and most might have dismissed it as only "Indian" music. For Native Americans it was a revelation. None had ever seen their music represented on a recording, especially a commercially released recording. For Native American singers and musicians it opened up new possibilities never before considered and was a validation of the importance of their culture.
