Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – Jul 21, 2024
Back in May of this year we did a feature on Dale Hawkins and his 1957 rockabilly hit “Susie-Q.” This rhythm guitarist is often referred to as the architect of “swamp rock boogie.”
As a genre, swamp rock really began taking shape in the mid-60s. It is best described as a fusion of rockabilly and soul music with swamp blues, country music and funk. The genre originated in Louisiana by artists like Hawkins and Tony Joe White, but was subsequently popularized by California band Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Rivaling CCR in this genre in the early 70s was another California group whose members, during their commercial peak and success, were of Mexican American and Native American heritage.
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The group was formed by Patrick and Candido “Lolly” Vasquez-Vegas who moved to Los Angeles from the Fresno area in 1959 and played for ten years in clubs under the name of Pat and Lolly Vegas. Pat won Coca-Cola’s first singing competition in 1958 at age 17. He also won a recording contract, which he put off to move to Los Angeles with Lolly.
They performed at local clubs on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard while writing and playing on records by such legendary artists as Tina Turner, Sonny & Cher, James Brown, Little Richard, and Elvis.
Pat & Lolly formed their swamp rock bank in 1969. According to Pat Vegas, Jimi Hendrix, inspired the musicians to form the all-Native American rock group. (Hendrix himself stated that Lolly Vegas was his favorite guitarist and biggest influence in music).
The band often alluded to Cajun and New Orleans culture in their lyrics and performing style complemented by stage costumes and art displayed on their album covers.
In fact, their name came from the Cajun term for a mixed-race person – Redbone.
In 1974, their third charted single sold over a million copies and Redbone became the first Native American band to reach the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, with “Come And Get Your Love,” this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.
YouTube video of this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA4rSO-h9Io
This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.