Tony Bellamy

Robert Anthony Avila (stage name: Tony Bellamy) was born to Olga, a Yaqui mother, and James Avila, a Mexican father, on September 12, 1946 in Orange, California. He grew up in a family and dancers and musicians. He additionally learned to play a flamenco guitar as part of his musical education. Prior to forming the band Redbone in 1969, Bellamy performed with Dobie Gray and was a member of the San Francisco band, Peter and the Wolves. It evolved into the psychedelic band, Moby Grape. Redbone was primarily rock music with Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Cajun, tribal and Latin roots.