Lolly Vegas (Born Lolly Vasquez)
October 2, 1939 – March 4, 2010
Lolly Vegas was the founding lead singer and guitarist for Redbone, a popular rock band who was somewhat unique in that it was made up of Native Americans. Formed in 1969, by Vegas and his brother, Patrick (Vasquez) Vegas, the band achieved it’s most success during the early ’70s. In 1974 they scored their biggest hit single with “Come and Get Your Love,” which reached the top 5 on the Billboard singles chart. Other popular singles included “The Witch Queen of New Orleans” and “Maggie.” Prior to Redbone, the brothers worked as a duo, Pat & Lolly Vegas who, during the mid ’60s, released one album Pat & Lolly Vegas at the Haunted House. It has been reported that Jimi Hendrix suggested at the time that they form an all-Native American rock band. During the mid 90s, Vegas suffered a stroke from which he never fully recovered. It resulted in his leaving the band. He also was reportedly suffering from cancer at the time of his death. On March 4, 2010, Lolly Vegas, age 70, died at home in his sleep. Redbone’s Tony Bellamy died on December 25, 2009.
What You Should Own
Lolly Vegas also played lead guitar on Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass’ first hit “The Lonely Bull, The Marketts’ “Out of Limits” and The Routers’ “Let’s Go” which is often heard in baseball and football stadiums across America these days. Pat & Lolly Vegas appear at The Haunted House nightclub on Hollywood Boulevard in the 1966-shot movie “It’s A Bikini World,” recorded the incredible Surf instrumental single “Wax ‘Em Down” b/w “Gypsy Surfer” as The Avantis and backed Sonny & Cher at their breakout engagement at The Purple Onion on Sunset Boulevard in 1965. A great rock instrumental album “Hotrodder’s Choice” was also recorded by Lolly Vegas (with his brother Pat) as The Deuce Coupes on Del-Fi Records.