Lonnie “Lonnie Mack” McIntosh, 74, of Smithville, TN, formerly of Dearborn
County, Indiana, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2016 in Nashville, TN.
He was born Friday, July 18, 1941 in Dearborn County, Indiana, son of the late Robert McIntosh and the late Sarah Sizemore McIntosh.
Lonnie was a well known music legend and pioneer. His guitar recordings were a significant influence on many prominent rock guitarists, including, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Paige, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck, Duane Allman, Dickie Betts, Ted Nugent and especially Stevie Ray Vaughan. He was considered one of the finer “blue-eyed soul” singers of his era. His famous 1958 Flying V guitar judged among the world’s 150 “most elite guitars” and in 1993 the Gibson Guitar Corporation issued a limited-run “Lonnie Mack Signature Edition” of the iconic guitar. Lonnie played sessions for record labels with Fraternity Records, Electra Records and Alligator Records. He played blues and R&B with artists such as James Brown, Hank Ballard and Freddie King. He also produced and played bass with The Doors on their Road House Blues album. He played at Carnegie Hall with Roy Buchanan and Albert Collins. His last professional show was in Cleveland Ohio for Les Paul’s 92nd birthday party, which was sponsored by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with several of the world greatest guitarists. Family along with music was very important to Lonnie. His life left a lasting legacy on both.
Surviving are children, Lonita Coldwell, Eric Wilson, Holly McIntosh Featherman, Harry McIntosh (who is following in his father’s footsteps as a great musician.) siblings, Billy McIntosh of Austin, TX, Audrey Pratt of Aurora, IN, Berlis Brittain of Aurora, IN; numerous grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Alvin McIntosh.
Friends will be received Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from 4:00-8:00 pm at the
Aurora First Baptist Church 6060 Blair Road, Aurora, Indiana 47001.
Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday at the church.
Interment will follow in the River View Cemetery, Aurora, IN.
Contributions may be made to The James Burton Foundation (Scholarships and guitars given to young musicians to get their start). If unable to attend, please call the office at (812) 926-1450 and we will notify the family of your donation with a card.