The Native American rock anthem that conquered the charts and Hollywood's biggest blockbusters
In short: Fifty years ago, Redbone made history as the first band of Native and Mexican American musicians to reach the Billboard Top 5. While the song became a global pop staple, its roots were deeply tied to the political activism of the 1970s and a desire to redefine Native representation.
Brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas, the founders of Redbone, grew up in Fresno, California, with Shoshone, Yaqui, Papago, and Navajo heritage. Initially, they performed as a duo in suits and pompadours, adopting the name Pat & Lolly Vegas to appeal to mainstream talent bookers. However, inspired by the Civil Rights movement and the struggles of Native activists, they eventually abandoned their polished image. They formed Redbone, a band that embraced their identity, grew their hair long, and performed in traditional Native dress to challenge the stereotypical portrayals of Indigenous people in Western films.
The band's 1973 album Wovoka included the song 'Come and Get Your Love,' which peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 13, 1974. While the song is now celebrated as a soulful pop hit, its creation occurred during a period of intense political unrest, including the American Indian Movement's standoff at Wounded Knee. Pat Vegas wrote another track for the same album, 'We Were All Wounded at Wounded Knee,' which addressed the 1890 massacre of Lakota people. Although the label blocked its U.S. release due to controversy, 'Come and Get Your Love' became the band's most significant commercial success.
The song's legacy has proven remarkably durable, finding new life in the 21st century. Its inclusion in the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy introduced the track to a new generation, leading to further appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and as the theme for the sitcom F Is for Family. Despite internal disputes between the brothers over songwriting credits, the track remains a defining moment for the band, representing a fusion of their Native roots and a desire to create music that was both inclusive and authentic.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Redbone's 'Come and Get Your Love' made history 50 years ago : NPR
- Also: Come and Get Your Love
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