What is redbone (ethnicity)?

Redbone is a term used to describe people who are of mixed Native American and African American ancestry. The word "redbone" originates from the reddish-brown skin color found among many people of this ethnicity. The group has a distinct cultural identity and is known for their unique music, such as zydeco, blues, and Cajun music. Many famous people are of redbone ethnicity, including Tina Turner, Jimi Hendrix, and Pocahontas. The exact origins of this ethnic group are debated, but it is generally believed that redbone people are descendants of the original Native American tribes of the Southeast United States and the African slaves brought to the area during the colonial period. Today, many people of redbone ethnicity are found throughout the Southern United States, but there are also significant populations in other parts of the country.