Redbone: The Pioneers of Native American Rock

Redbone is a American rock band celebrated for blending rock and roll with funk, blues, and Native American musical influences. Formed in the late 1960s, the group is best known for their 1974 hit single "Come and Get Your Love," which achieved significant chart success and later found renewed popularity in the 21st century.

Early Career

The band was founded by brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas, who were of Mexican and Native American (Yaqui/Shoshone) heritage. After working as session musicians in Los Angeles, they formed Redbone in 1969, choosing a name derived from a Cajun term for a person of mixed racial ancestry. Their early work established their signature sound, a unique fusion of rock rhythms with distinct cultural roots.

Breakthrough

Redbone's commercial peak arrived in the early 1970s. Their 1973 album "Wovoka" and the 1974 single "Come and Get Your Love" from the album "Wovoka" propelled them to national fame. The single reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming a defining track of the era and the band's most enduring legacy.

Key Tracks

Come and Get Your Love - This funk-rock anthem was the band's biggest hit, achieving multi-platinum certification and experiencing a major resurgence after its feature in the 2014 film "Guardians of the Galaxy."

The Witch Queen of New Orleans - An earlier hit that cracked the Top 40, showcasing the band's rhythmic, story-driven songwriting and their ability to craft catchy rock tunes.

We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee - A politically charged song that highlighted the band's activism and commitment to addressing Native American issues through their music.

Throughout the 1970s, Redbone continued to release albums and tour, maintaining a dedicated fanbase. Their status as one of the first nationally successful rock bands comprised of Native American members has cemented their place in music history. The band's music, particularly "Come and Get Your Love," has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, introducing their sound to new generations of listeners and ensuring their legacy within the classic rock genre endures.

Artists with a similar blend of rock, funk, and blues roots from the same era include War, who also incorporated Latin rhythms, and Sly and the Family Stone for their pioneering funk-rock fusion. The eclectic southern rock of The Allman Brothers Band shares a similar jam-oriented spirit, while the soulful rock of Rare Earth offers another point of comparison from the period.