447. Lonnie Mack

The interesting case of one of the great guitarists who was too Rock for Country and too Country for Rock is that of Lonnie Mack. Mack was a guitar virtuoso who drew from Country, Rock, R&B, Rockabilly and Blues and created some of the most brilliant instrumentals in the early 60’s. Mack’s unique sound may have been too early for its time, as he struggled to find an audience that understood his music. Lonnie was also a decent singer capable of delivering a soulful voice that again didn’t match the way he looked or the audience of the early 60’s. Perhaps in another time Mack could have been a superstar, but maybe his pioneering work might find the Hall.