The unfortunate passing of Lonnie Mack is greatly overshadowed by the high-profile passing of Prince. And not to detract from the importance of Prince as an influence in the vast universe of Rock and Roll, but Lonnie Mack was also an influence that should have his time in the headlines as well.
Lonnie Mack was a master on the guitar. His bluesy style was adored, envied, and replicated by many in the world of Rock and Roll. Those influenced included the late Duane Allman, Eddie Van Halen, Jeff Beck, Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards, the late Rory Gallagher, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, and many other luminaries, some still with us, some not. And you have to admit, that’s already quite a list of admirers.
Lonnie Mack forged a career on his ability to make his Flying V guitar (serial number 7!!!) do string acrobatics that few guitarists could apply themselves to – and many dreamed of. With a career beginning in the early ’60s, Lonnie Mack made a too small stable of fans that will not deny his greatness. Since that time, he has become the legend that few too people outside the industry are aware of. Lonnie Mack was as great a guitar player as ANY of them. Maybe better than some!
Lonnie Mack quietly passed into the next phase of Rock and Roll with his death on April 21. His departure is greatly felt and should be as much a headline as Prince.
Lonnie, may you help smoke the stage at your reuniting with Buchanan, Gallagher, Hendrix, Allman, and Vaughan.
Enjoy the stunning video below!