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Lolly Vegas Obituary

VEGAS, Lolly The guitarist and vocalist for the 1970s all Native American rock group, Redbone, passed away on March 4, 2010. Born October 2, 1939 in Coalinga, CA with the surname of Vasquez, he spent his youth in the Fresno area. Lolly was responsible for the extensive use of the Leslie rotating speaker effect in electric guitar amplification. Redbone's first commercial success came with the single "Maggie." Later successes were "The Witch of New Orleans" (1971, #21 on the Billboard Top 100) and "Come and Get Your Love" (1974, #5 on the Billboard Top 100). The chorus of "Come and Get Your Love" was incorporated by Cyndi Lauper in her hit "Hey Now (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun)." He inspired and influenced many guitarists for almost two generations. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Risa; brothers Patrick Vegas, who was also a member of Redbone, Ray Chavez, Rudy Montenez, Ray Vasquez; sisters Marie, Theresa, Linda, his mother Eloise Vasquez and best friend, Michael Stone. A Visitation will be held 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 10, 2010; the funeral service will be held at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 11, 2010 both at Lorenzen Mission Chapel. Interment will be at the family plot in Fresno, CA. Lorenzen Mortuary (818) 343-4677

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Mar. 10, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Lolly Vegas

Sponsored by Sandy Balduf .

35 Entries

Rebecca

September 27, 2025

I remember and love "Come And Get Your Love" from decades ago, but in the last year I have obsessed in that love. I binge-watch the videos. and this is currently the picture on my phone. I have a weekly radio show called Luna Blu and I've highlighted Lolly and Redbone several times and will again, but go further in-depth, covering the whole band. What an incredible gift to the world. Sending you so much love, Lolly.

Linda Whittier

August 23, 2025

Loved his song, 18 years older than me, his music blessed my high school days in the 70's. Hope I see him in heaven, the next life, just to say hi and thanks for the music!

Dianne Nelligan, Perth Western Australia

March 4, 2025

Always remembered by Dianne From Perth Western Australia xx

Carly

January 10, 2025

So long gone but still listening to his music. Hope he's rocking and rolling in Heaven forever.

Andy

March 7, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Dianne Nelligan, Perth Western Australia

March 6, 2024

Always Remembered, The Great man never forgotten xoxo

S.L.

January 25, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Nancy, Spokane Wa

January 1, 2023

Lolly, you ARE remebered in this New Year of 2023. I know you are with our Lord, and have riden your spirit pony to the stars. I, who wrote on Dec 23, know you are dwelling with Jesus and "all" your ancestor's, we, the Star People, are at home with God. Travel each star spirit my dear. You are still remembered and loved.
Nancy Spokane, Wa. A loyal native american fan. Bless you Love!

George Paul

December 23, 2022

I would love to record a few of Red Bone's Songs, how would I get permission

Nancy

December 23, 2022

I had SUCH a crush on Lolly as a young teenager back in 1974. Loved the entire group and especially "Come and get your love". One of the groups greatest. I have native american descent with a rich history behind my ancestor's lives and all they did when America was so young. I am honored and proud, Lolly showed his pride with the beautiful and majestic native american attire he and the rest of the group wore on stage and in real life. We native people will never forget our past. We are still here, just as Lolly is still with his music and exquisite guitar skills, he was a gift from God, to us all. Your Wanagi spirit went back home and is in the cup of the big dipper, Lakota spirit. You ARE remembered. Travel well on your spirit pony. Nancy, Spokane, Wa.

Andrea

October 9, 2022

Lolly Vegas und Redbone sind für immer in meinem Herz und meinen Gedanken. Come and get your Love

Sandra Ford

October 8, 2022

It's October 2022 and I'm jamming out to you right now, red bone, come and get your love Rock on forever

Andrea Dieling

March 31, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.In meinem Herzen wirst Du immer einen Platz haben. Du bist ein groartiger Mensch Lolly.

Kat Russell

December 10, 2020

Your Talent , awesome voice , and knock out smile has been missed , but thank goodness for the videos you can still be seen and heard . love you Lolly , you are missed by many !

Diane Nelligan

October 19, 2020

I am from Australia and I had never heard of Redbone until about 3 months ago So sad to hear that Lolly Had died what a fantastic voice that man had Also the passing of Tony Bellamy I watch their Music on Utube and I Tunes everyday

Linda Duke

September 30, 2020

Sweet Lolly. Death should have come in a kinder form. I'm so so sorry for your suffering. This world will carry on without you but there is a Lolly-shaped hole in the fabric of the universe.

Carmen Will

July 10, 2020

I've loved your music since the 70s, and only now have come to know your earlier music and versatility. I'm happy that "Come and Get Your Love" has been played in recent movies so that the current generation can also come to know you. You are missed greatly by your family, friends, and fans, but your spirit lives on...

Nova Santana

June 2, 2020

I will always love you Lolly Vegas.♡

Jon

May 2, 2020

Just reconnected with Redbone ,so sad to hear of Lollys passing , his music will live on RIP buddy rest easy

April 27, 2020

I only know you because I came of age in the '70's. I miss your face and your music.

Liam Spinelli

January 30, 2019

To Lolly Vegas, I was so entertained by your music video "Come and get your love now". What a presence you were and a talent you gave to this world. I was inspired to find out who you were. Sadly you are gone no chance to see or hear your live performance if ever. One could only hope to leave such a legacy that continues to entertain the masses. Thank you for sharing your gift with me and to the future gens.

Peace be with you...friend.

Marie Gottstein

September 2, 2018

Lolly Vegas was one heck of a musician and vocalist. So sad he's gone. I loved him and Redbone.

joseph

February 4, 2017

One heck of a person and a pioneer in music, his contributions to music are enormous. Not to mention his influence of blending all of this with r/b and rock and roll, I would have love to play for and with this man. Rest in peace my brother, I will miss you alot.

Maria

March 4, 2011

Lolly Vegas [1939-2010]
In Loving Memory.
CORRECTION OF DATE TO MY MEMORIAL FOR LOLLY LISTED BELOW!
Sincere apologies from Maria.

Somewhere Redbone plays, stereo blasting, Redbone songs, everlasting.

Love you Lolly Vegas.
Arohanui.

Maria

March 4, 2011

Lolly Vegas [1939-2011]
In Loving Memory.
We've all seen the photos, cheeky Lolly, finger pointed upward, in more than one.
Flowing hair, silken like, lank and long. Distinctive voice, man sing, sing, sing that song. That beaming smile, familier as, Lolly the beautiful, no illusion. "Come And Get Your Love" you called, eyebrows raised, so inviting. During the chant Tony danced, Tony T-Bone, gone but not forgotten. Together both, with Jimi, the King, Rock on.

Love you Lolly Vegas, you will always be my special Taonga. Arohanui

Eaglefeather Begaye

March 1, 2011

Ya'at'eeh brother, good hanging with you in LA. Rest in Peace now in body, and journey well in spirit...Eaglefeather (Navajo)

M Andersen

December 29, 2010

In Loving Memory of Lolly.
As this year of 2010 comes to an end and a new decade is about to begin, I remember you sweet Lolly. I wish so much you were still here to welcome in the New Year, to celebrate with family and friends so dear.
Only 3 months have past since I first picked up on the music of Redbone and you Lolly, I wish I had done so in long times past.
You are forever in my heart.

Loving and caring thoughts go out to Pat, his mother Eloise and all the Vasquez family at this time.

The Niki Hoeky Man

March 25, 2010

S Schwander

March 25, 2010

Journey Well Brother as you travel to the West. We have burned sweetgrass and sage for you today. Although we never met you, I know that we would have been friends. We play the flute for you today. Walk In Peace Needji

March 16, 2010

"In Loving Memory of Lolly" March 4, 2010
I arrived in Hollywood, CA in March of 1964, landing at Gary Paxtons studio with a song in hand that I wrote in my home town of Brentwood, CA. Not long after that I met the brothers, Pat and Lolly Vegas, two exceptional Musicians, writers and singers then known as "Pat and Lolly Vegas." Later down the road they would form the group "Redbone." From the very beginning we entered a life long friendship of 45 years, always sharing our love of music and the stories of those who did or didn't make it in the music business. Each one unique in his or her own way.
Lolly always made me and mine feel like family, whether it was my wife and I or our daughter, sharing holiday gatherings with him and his family, or just stopping in to say "Hi," when he was home. The coffee pot was always on and then there was that "Lolly's Salsa," for those who know need I say more.
Along the way in our time, we penned a few tunes, shared our love for the sport of Horse Raciing, and had the honor of Lollys presence at our daughter Shannon's graduation.
We laughed and cried together over the Ups and Downs of life, and always sharred our love of the Lord.
Lolly was truly a great talent. I loved him and will miss him dearly.
Buddy Biglow
You were a good friend Lolly,
"Check Ya Bubba"

Lolly's burdens have been lifted,
by the grace of our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Even though we miss him so, it gives us great peace
to know he is in the loving care of our Lord.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all the
Lolly Vegas Family.
With warm and loving thoughts,
Buddy and Claudia Biglow
and Shannon ~ Biglow ~ Peabody

P.J. Proby

March 15, 2010

THANK YOU, FRIEND, FOR THE GOLDEN RECORD AND A WONDERFUL FRIENDSHIP. TELL EVERYBODY HI, I'LL BE AS SOON AS I CAN.
P.J. PROBY

ray giroux

March 11, 2010

We the G8 rock and blues family band from Canada are very saddened by the news of Lolly passing away. We have been and continue to be REDBONE's best fans. We have a song that gives tribute to the band . Lolly's lyrics, melodies and distinct playing follows us. We had the pleasure of seeing them live twice back in the seventies and even meeting them at their sound check. Please accept our most sincere condoleances. As a family band, we can relate well to the bond between Pat and Lolly not forgetting others great members of the band over the years. Very comforting to see that Lolly has a close family. Merci Lolly et bon repos.

March 10, 2010

so sorry to LOLLY'S family, we all share your loss

sharon nora Pflum

March 10, 2010

I was sorry to learn of Lolly's passing. My late husband Dick and I were proud to have Redbone as part of our "Rock and Roll Cookbook." We also did a few shows with them singing as "Dick and Dee Dee." I send my deepest sympathies to his friends and family.
Sandy St.John

Carol Wilson

March 10, 2010

I have very nice memories of Lolly way back in the late 70's. He and Pat used to hang out with all of us at various parties and clubs like the Candy Store in Beverly HIlls. He was a really nice guy and a real talented one, too.

I'm sorry to hear this sad news that he has passed away but happy to know he had a loving wife and family. Looking at all the videos on Youtube, brings back so many great times.
Los siento mucho.

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