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Joy Harjo is overwhelmed. The musician, poet and artist is trying to tell the story of the origin of American music in a single new play. The working title is "We Were There When Jazz Was Invented."

"One of the reasons for the play ... was to restore southeastern native people to the origin story of American music — of blues, jazz, rock," Harjo said. 

Harjo spoke with MPR News host Kerri Miller about the play, her memoir "Crazy Brave," the impact music has had on her career, and what it means to be a mother and an artist.

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Author Joy Harjo's new play, which is still in progress, explores the origins of American music and how Native Americans have been left out of the story.

Author Joy Harjo joined MPR News host Kerri Miller to talk about the play she's writing, her music, her memoir "Crazy Brave," and how not always knowing what to say can lead to wonderful discoveries in music and poetry.  6/22/16

'We were there': Joy Harjo on the forgotten origins of jazz

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