My Unpublished Letter To Rolling Stone Magazine On Behalf of Lolly Vegas
September 9, 2003

by Mark Guerrero

(This letter was in regard to Rolling Stones' issue on "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time," which was dated September 18, 2003.  I e mailed it to Rolling Stone Magazine on September 9th, 2003.  To my disappointment, they didn't publish my letter, so I thought I'd publish it myself.) 

Rolling Stone,

     I'm a singer/songwriter/guitarist, who's been playing guitar for 40 years.  Your issue on the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" was interesting, but like most such lists, the order of guitarists and many included or excluded can be reasonably debated.  I would like to mention a great guitarist that should have been prominent on the list who was omitted.  His name is Lolly Vegas, singer/songwriter and lead guitarist for the legendary Chicano/Native American band, Redbone.  In the 60s, he was an in-demand studio musician in Hollywood, playing alongside Leon Russell, Glen Campbell, Hal Blaine, and all the top players of the day.  Lolly played on many hit records and was frequently hired by great producers such as Phil Spector and Lou Adler.  His guitar playing on Redbone recordings is innovative, funky, and unique.  (Check out the ending section of "Maggie").  Lolly was one of the first to play his guitar through a Leslie organ speaker and his use of the electric sitar on Redbone's mega hit "Come and Get Your Love" was brilliant.  He has inspired and influenced many guitar players over the years.  Unfortunately, due to a stroke, Lolly cannot play guitar anymore, but his many recordings embody his genius on guitar.  Lolly Vegas should not be forgotten.
 

Contact me at:  info@markguerrero.net

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