Hank Gonzales' musical storytelling voice has been a part of the Round Valley Community for many years. He has contributed his unforgettable soulful singing to dances, parties, singspirations, and funerals.

He is also an inspiration to the Native youth of Round Valley. He is a culture bearer. He knows and understands the old ways and communicates the importance of them to the children with seriousness, kindness, and humor.

Here is Hank's story as told by his wife Bertha:

Henry (Hank) Gonzales was born December 7, 1932 in Lakeport, California. Hank is Native American. His mother was a Lake (Pomo) from the Big Valley Rancheria and his father was a Wintun from the Cortina Tribe.

Hank was raised by his father and stepmother. Hank loved music at a very young age. He had a favorite Aunt who would sing all the time to him and when he lost her he felt he received her gift for music and song.

Hank received his first guitar from his Dad at the age of twelve. He taught himself but there were times when he would have someone drop by and show him different ways of playing.

Hank received much of his training on his traditional dances with the Tribal Roundhouse and songs from his grandfather. His grandfather started training him at the age of twelve. His grandfather left him many stories about life. Humor was a vital part of storytelling and Hank has shared the stories and handed down the stories to his family.

Hank loves to sing and play guitar, he sings many gospel songs, country-western, and a little rock and roll. He enjoys sharing his talent with other performers and he enjoys entertaining. He has recorded a tape, which was very successful. Hank also sings with the clapper stick or a hand drum when he sings his Roundhouse songs. He loves singing the songs to his grandchildren and he sings his songs to children at the Elementary School.

Hank loves sports, his first love is baseball. He enjoys helping young people learn how to play and he has played in many, many tournaments as a pitcher and has a bedroom full of trophies