When discussing the evolution of American rock and roll, many names come up as the genre’s guiding lights: Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Doors. Yet tucked within this pantheon lies a group whose contributions, though often overlooked, were both groundbreaking and culturally profound: Redbone. A band made up of Native American and Mexican-American musicians, Redbone carved out a place in rock history not only through their irresistible grooves and unique sound but also by unapologetically embracing their heritage in an era when representation was nearly nonexistent.
Redbone’s legacy is more than just their signature hit, “Come and Get Your Love,” a song that, thanks to Guardians of the Galaxy and renewed cultural appreciation, has found an audience across generations. Their story encompasses resilience, artistry, activism, and a refusal to be sidelined in a music industry that often pigeonholed or ignored Native voices. To understand Redbone is to understand how music can serve as both entertainment and cultural declaration.
The Roots: Pat and Lolly Vegas
The story of Redbone begins with Patrick Vasquez-Vegas and Candido “Lolly” Vasquez-Vegas, two brothers of Yaqui, Shoshone, and Mexican descent who grew up in Fresno, California. Music was part of their DNA, and from an early age, they immersed themselves in rhythm and blues, rock, and traditional Native sounds.
By the early 1960s, the Vegas brothers had relocated to Los Angeles, a city buzzing with musical experimentation. They performed as Pat & Lolly Vegas, carving out a reputation in the club scene, particularly on the Sunset Strip. They weren’t just performers; they were highly skilled songwriters and session musicians. The brothers backed up legends like Tina Turner, Sonny & Cher, and Elvis Presley, while also appearing in films such as It’s a Bikini World (1967).
Even before Redbone, the brothers had a vision: to create music that fused contemporary rock with Native and Latino influences. They were, in many ways, ahead of their time—refusing to separate their cultural identity from their music.
The Birth of Redbone
The idea for Redbone came with encouragement from none other than Jimi Hendrix, who was a close friend of the Vegas brothers. Hendrix, himself of part Cherokee descent, urged them to form a band that fully embraced their Native heritage. Inspired, the brothers recruited drummer Pete DePoe (of Cheyenne heritage) and guitarist/bassist Tony Bellamy (Yaqui descent). With this lineup, Redbone was born in 1969.
The name itself carried deep significance. In Cajun slang, “redbone” referred to someone of mixed heritage, often Native American and European. By choosing it, the band made a bold statement of identity—both celebratory and defiant in an era where Indigenous voices were often erased.
From the outset, Redbone distinguished themselves. Their stage presence included traditional Native regalia mixed with rock attire, and their lyrics often addressed Native themes, colonialism, and cultural pride. While many bands of the time sought universality by downplaying ethnic identity, Redbone leaned in, ensuring their music and image reflected who they truly were.
Finding Their Sound
Musically, Redbone was eclectic and innovative. They blended rock, funk, soul, R&B, blues, swamp rock, and Native rhythms into a sound that was both familiar and distinct. The Vegas brothers’ harmonies, Bellamy’s sharp guitar work, and DePoe’s groundbreaking “King Kong” drumming style created a foundation for experimentation.
Their early albums—Redbone (1970) and Potlatch (1970)—were rich with groove-heavy tracks like “Crazy Cajun Cakewalk Band” and “Maggie.” Critics quickly noticed how the band defied categorization. Redbone could sound like Sly and the Family Stone one moment and Creedence Clearwater Revival the next, while still infusing a uniquely Native perspective.
What set them apart was their willingness to incorporate Indigenous themes directly into mainstream rock. Songs like “Alcatraz” spoke of the famous occupation of Alcatraz Island by Native activists, aligning the band with the broader struggle for Native rights during the 1960s and ’70s.
The Breakthrough: “The Witch Queen of New Orleans”
Redbone’s breakthrough came in 1971 with “The Witch Queen of New Orleans.” The song told the story of Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo priestess of New Orleans. With its hypnotic groove, mystical lyrics, and swampy rhythm, the track became a hit in Europe, reaching No. 2 in the UK and charting across the continent.
While the single didn’t achieve the same commercial success in the United States, it demonstrated Redbone’s ability to craft infectious, story-driven rock songs. It also highlighted their fascination with blending folklore, history, and rhythm into something entirely new.
Activism Through Music
Redbone wasn’t just about catchy songs—they used their platform for political expression. Their 1973 album Wovoka included the track “We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee,” a haunting commentary on the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre, in which hundreds of Lakota were killed by U.S. soldiers.
The song was deemed too controversial for the U.S. market and was banned by several radio stations. Yet it became a major hit in Europe, topping charts in several countries. By tackling such a painful chapter of history through popular music, Redbone distinguished themselves as one of the few rock acts directly addressing Indigenous struggles.
“Come and Get Your Love”: A Timeless Anthem
If there’s one song that has cemented Redbone’s place in pop culture, it is “Come and Get Your Love.” Released in 1974 on the Wovoka album, the track was an instant classic. Built on a funky bassline, a driving rhythm, and infectious vocals from Lolly Vegas, it climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
What made the song so enduring was its joyous simplicity. While other Redbone tracks leaned heavily into politics and history, “Come and Get Your Love” was pure celebration—an anthem of love and self-confidence. Its universal message resonated across audiences, making it one of the defining songs of the 1970s.
The song’s afterlife has been remarkable. Decades after its release, it was prominently featured in the opening scene of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). As Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord danced across alien landscapes, the funky groove of Redbone introduced a whole new generation to the band. The song surged on streaming platforms, reaching audiences who weren’t even born when it was first released.
Later Years and Lineup Changes
Like many bands, Redbone faced challenges with changing tastes, internal dynamics, and the pressures of the music industry. Pete DePoe left the band in the early ’70s, replaced by drummer Arturo Perez and later Butch Rillera. Tony Bellamy eventually departed as well, though he would rejoin for certain reunions.
The Vegas brothers remained the core of the band, continuing to record and tour through the 1980s and 1990s. Though they never replicated the massive success of “Come and Get Your Love,” they built a loyal following, particularly in Europe, where their socially conscious songs had long found receptive audiences.
Tragedy struck in 2010 with the passing of Tony Bellamy, followed by Lolly Vegas in 2010 after years of health struggles. Pat Vegas, however, has carried the torch, keeping Redbone alive through performances, recordings, and advocacy.
Rediscovery and Cultural Impact
The resurgence of “Come and Get Your Love” in Guardians of the Galaxy was more than just a nostalgic callback—it became a moment of rediscovery for Redbone. Suddenly, millions of younger listeners were streaming the band’s catalog, uncovering the depth of their music beyond the hit single.
In the years since, documentaries, articles, and retrospectives have shed light on Redbone’s pioneering role as Native American rock icons. They’ve become symbols of representation, inspiring Indigenous artists across genres to embrace their identity within mainstream music.
Legacy
Redbone’s legacy operates on several levels:
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Musical Innovation – They seamlessly blended rock, funk, soul, and Native rhythms into a sound that was both unique and accessible.
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Representation – At a time when Native Americans were virtually invisible in mainstream entertainment, Redbone proudly wore their heritage onstage and in their music.
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Activism – Through songs like “We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee,” they elevated Native struggles to international audiences.
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Timeless Appeal – Decades later, their music remains fresh, thanks in large part to “Come and Get Your Love.”
Redbone’s journey reflects the power of authenticity. They refused to conform to industry expectations, choosing instead to honor their heritage while delivering music that could make audiences dance, reflect, and dream.
Conclusion
Redbone may never have reached the sustained stardom of some of their contemporaries, but their cultural and musical impact is undeniable. They were trailblazers, opening doors for Native representation in rock and popular music. They gave us unforgettable grooves, timeless anthems, and songs that told stories history books often ignored.
Today, as “Come and Get Your Love” continues to echo across films, commercials, and playlists, it’s worth remembering that behind the groove lies a deeper story—one of resilience, identity, and artistry. Redbone was more than just a band; they were a movement, a declaration, and a celebration of Native presence in American music.
Their music still invites us, in their own words: “Come and get your love.”
