Died On This Date (March 4, 2010) Lolly Vegas / Co-Founder & Lead Singer of Redbone
themusicsover 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
Tony Bellamy is best remembered as the one-time lead guitarist for the Native American rock band, Redbone. Formed in 1969, the band achieved its 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. Prior to his days with Redbone, Bellamy played with Dobie Gray and the pre-Moby Grape band, Peter and the Wolves. He left Redbone in 1977 and went on to form his own group, Bimbam. He reunited with Redbone for special events in later years. Tony Bellamy was 69 when he died of liver failure on Christmas Day, 2009.