redbone

Biography

Redbone is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1969 by brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas, both of Yaqui, Shoshone, and Mexican descent. Before founding Redbone, the Vegas brothers had established themselves as respected studio musicians on the Los Angeles scene, working with artists such as Tina Turner, James Brown, and Elvis Presley. Their early musical experiences and desire to celebrate their Native American heritage led them to form Redbone, a name inspired by a slang term for people of mixed Native American and European ancestry. The original lineup included Pat Vegas (bass, vocals), Lolly Vegas (guitar, sitar, vocals), Tony Bellamy (guitar, vocals), and Peter DePoe (drums).

Redbone's music is characterized by a fusion of rock, funk, R&B, and Native American musical elements, reflected in their songs, stage regalia, and album art. The band achieved mainstream success in the early 1970s, most notably with their 1974 hit single "Come and Get Your Love," which reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies. Other notable tracks include "The Witch Queen of New Orleans," "Wovoka," and "We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee," the latter of which was controversial in the U.S. but became a number one hit in Europe. Redbone's willingness to address Native American issues in their music and public persona made them pioneers in bringing indigenous identity to mainstream rock.

Despite facing industry challenges and prejudice, Redbone's legacy endures as the most successful Native American rock group in history. Their music continues to inspire new generations, and the band remains active under the leadership of Pat Vegas following the deaths of Tony Bellamy in 2009 and Lolly Vegas in 2010. Their story is recognized as a significant chapter in both American music and Native American cultural history.

Fun Facts

• Redbone performed at the very first Earth Day celebration in Philadelphia in 1970, debuting their song 'Chant 13th Hour,' considered one of the earliest examples of 'World Music.'
• Their song 'We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee' was banned in the U.S. due to its political content but became a number one hit in Europe.
• Redbone's hit 'Come and Get Your Love' gained renewed popularity after being featured in the 2014 film 'Guardians of the Galaxy.'
• The Vegas brothers originally performed as 'Pat and Lolly Vegas' and were regulars on the TV show 'Shindig!' before forming Redbone.

Members

• Tony Bellamy (until 1977)
• Pete DePoe
• Lolly Vegas - original
• Pat Vegas - original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Los Angeles studio musicians - Pat and Lolly Vegas learned from and worked alongside top session musicians during their early careers on the LA music scene. (Session work for Tina Turner, James Brown, Elvis Presley) [1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Lolly Vegas - Co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist; Pat's brother and creative partner throughout Redbone's formative years. (All Redbone albums and performances until 2010) [1969–2010]
• Tony Bellamy - Original guitarist and vocalist, contributed to Redbone's signature sound. (Redbone albums and live shows) [1969–2009]
• Peter DePoe - Original drummer, known for his "King Kong beat" drumming style. (Early Redbone recordings) [1969–1972]

Artists Influenced

• The Doors - Redbone's early work and presence on the Sunset Strip influenced the LA rock scene, including The Doors. (General influence on LA rock sound) [Late 1960s]
• Contemporary Native American musicians - Redbone paved the way for Native American artists to enter mainstream rock and pop. (Broader influence on indigenous representation in music) [1970s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Come and Get Your Love - Single Version
2. Come and Get Your Love (Rerecorded)
3. Come and Get Your Love
4. Come and Get Your Love (Wovoka)
5. Come And Get Your Love (Re-Recorded - 2024 Remaster)
6. The Witch Queen of New Orleans (The Witch Queen of New Orleans (aka Message from a Drum) [Expanded Edition])
7. I've Got to Find the Right Woman - Single Version (Beaded Dreams Through Turquoise Eyes (Expanded Edition))
8. We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee (Already Here (Expanded Edition))
9. Come and Get Your Love - Single Version
10. Come and Get Your Love

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #american, #funk-rock, #pop-rock