REDBONE'S TONY BELLAMY PASSES ON AT AGE 69
runningwolf
REDBONE'S TONY BELLAMY PASSES ON AT AGE 69
New York, NY – The Native American Music Awards (N.A.M.A.)
organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Redbone's
Anthony Bellamy, who has died on Christmas morning, December 25th,
2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada with his family by his side. Anthony, or
Tony "T-Bone" Bellamy, who was inducted into the N.A.M.A. Hall of Fame
with Redbone in 2008 at the Tenth Annual Native American Music Awards,
was a Mexican-American Yaqui Indian who became the lead guitarist,
pianist and vocalist for the Native American band, Redbone. He was a
beloved and endearing friend of the "Nammys" since its inception, and
will be greatly missed.
Redbone became established as a Native American rock group in the
1970s. They reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1974
with the hit song, "Come and Get Your Love."
Originally formed in 1969 in Los Angeles, California by brothers
Patrick Vasquez (bass and vocals) and Lolly Vasquez (guitar and
vocals), the name Redbone started as a joking reference to a Cajun
term for a mixed-race person. The band's members were of mixed blood
ancestry.
According to Patrick Vasquez aka Pat Vegas, it was Jimi Hendrix who
talked the musicians into forming an all-Native American rock group
and so they signed as the band Redbone to Epic Records in 1969. The
band consisted of Patrick Vasquez, Lolly Vasquez, drummer Pete DePoe
and Anthony "Tony" Bellamy. Their debut album Redbone was released in
1970.
Redbone played primarily rock music with R&B, Cajun, Jazz, tribal and
Latin roots. Their first commercial success was with the single,
"Maggie" from their second album, Potlatch, in 1970. Two other hit
singles would follow; "The Witch Queen of New Orleans" in 1971, which
went to #21 on the Billboard Hot 100, and their greatest hit song to
date, "Come and Get Your Love" in 1974, which went to #5 on the
Billboard Hot 100. "Come and Get Your Love", stayed in the Billboard
charts for 24 weeks, and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. on
April 22, 1974.
Tony Bellamy grew up in a family of dancers and musicians and learned
to play the flamenco guitar as part of his musical education. Before
joining the band Redbone, Tony Bellamy had performed with Dobie Gray,
and a was a member of the San Francisco band, Peter and the Wolves,
that evolved into the psychedelic band Moby Grape.
In 1998, Tony Bellamy and Patrick Vasquez attended and performed as
Redbone at the First Native American Music Awards held at the Foxwoods
Casino & Resort.
On October 3, 2008, Tony Bellamy and Patrick Vasquez attended the 10th
Annual Native American Music Awards at the Seneca Niagara Hotel &
Casino in Niagara Falls, NY as special guests to accept Redbone's
induction into the N.A.M.A. Hall of Fame.
Born as Anthony Avila, Tony Bellamy died at age 69.
N.A.M.A. and its Advisory Board contingency would like extend their
condolences to the Bellamy family. N.A.M.A. will forever honor this
legendary performer who has been both a leading force in the
mainstream music industry and an inspiration to the Native American
community.
Visit www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com for more information.