Redbone

American rock band Redbone was formed by two brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas in 1969. The term 'redbone' is a Cajun term for mixed race ancestry and was chosen because the original line-up was exclusively native American, something which was unique in American rock culture at that time. The two brothers claim they were inspired by Jimi Hendrix (who himself was part Cherokee) to form an all native American band and they signed to Epic in 1969. The Vegas brothers were already seasoned musicians having played sessions for artists such as Tina Turner, Sonny and Cher, James Brown and Little Richard and their experience gave Redbone a musical confidence which underpinned their early recordings and helped shape their distinctive sound. US fans will remember the band for their 1974 song 'Come and Get Your Love' which made the top 5 in the Billboard charts whilst on the other side of the pond European audiences will remember 'The Witch Queen of New Orleans' and 'Maggie', two tracks which found favour with overseas record buyers but which failed to make a significant impression on the US charts at the time. They continued to tour and record up to 1977 with 'Cycles', before slowing down considerably, their next release coming with 'One World I Peace Pipe' in 2005.

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