As reported on www.slystonebook.com

Last November 10, Graham Central Station’s David ‘Dynamite’ Vega passed away after being in a coma for almost a year. That same night “The Best of Soul Train” broadcasted Graham Central Station’s live performance of January, 1975. A better tribute could not have been given.



DAVID VEGA November 7, 1953 - November 10, 2007 Born in Oakland, California was an American blues guitarist and songwriter. He will not sing or play again on this earth. The Bay Area has lost one of the great R&B Guitarists of its time. David credited his Uncle, the late Rev. Elias V. Gaxiola for teaching him how to play the guitar. And his parents Delfino J Vega and Esther G. Vega for taking him to buy his first guitar at the age of eleven. Purchased at "Leo's Music" in Oakland. David's main guitars were the Fender Stratocasters.



Later, David gained his fame playing with the renowned Funk Band "Graham Central Station". He was known as David 'Dynamite' Vega. Also playing with Hershall "Happiness" Kennedy in "Dynamite and Happiness". In 1979 David went on to play with "California Gold", he also played with Doug "Cosmo" Clifford of Creedence Clearwater Revival. legendary artists as Bobbie Woodlock and J.J. Malone. He also played in a short-lived band known as "Bad Blood", with that great experiment of Oakland Soul and Blues.



David never forgot where he came from. We will miss David's passionate and fiery playing. He hurled thunderbolts back and forth across the stage in an amazing display of great Blues Rocking. An excellent blues vocalist. On stage he was a fiery bold. A true Rock Giant. David "Dynamite" Vega proves he's one of the great unsung guitarists. He's more than up to the rhythmic tasks the idiom required...He was legendary for his steps up on the wah-wah bends on "Can You Handle It". He switches to a screaming fuzz tone for the baroque gospel-blues of "Today", and gets more extroverted on "The Jam", "Entro". His broad appeal made him one of the world's most influential electric blues guitarists of our time. David often drew frequent comparisons to Hendrix; and his version of the "Little Wing". His trademark song lasted performed in Oakland with "Bad Blood". David was a man of musical vision.


He passed on his musical attributes to everyone that shared his dreams; that came to his Gold Album and Grammy Awards with (GCS). Beloved son of the late Delfino J. Vega and Esther G. Vega. Cherished Brother of the late Martha R. Taylor, Survived by his sisters Margarita A. Crossman, Diana M. Gill and brother Steven A. Vega. Loving Uncle, Cousin, Nephew, Best friend, Teacher. Survived by his Fiance Wendy Janet. David was a humble and friendly guy who dedicated his life to music. He died in Healdsburg, California after being in a coma for almost a year. Amen David fly away. Peace. Service was held @ The SDA Grand Avenue Church, 278 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610 Sunday, November 18, 2007 at 3:00 p.m.

"Dy-na-mite,
They call me Dy-na-mite,
I try with all my might,
They say i'm outta' sight,
On my guita-ar, On my guitar yeaaah Yeah!..Uh! "

R.I.P. "Dynamite" thanks for Wah-n-us.



[Edited 11/21/07 12:57pm]

RIP.

Rest in peace, Dynamite.

DAMN!!!!! I WAS JUST LISTENING TO THE "MIRROR" CD BY GCS A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO...
THAT GUITAR SOLO IN "THE JAM" IS FIERCE!!!! REST IN PEACE MR. DYNAMITE!!!!!

RIP...Another loss to the music world...You will missed.

I'm ready for 2007 to be OVER! It has truly been the "death year". I just hope we can make it through the next month without another death.

Anyway, the Graham Central Station episode of "Soul Train" was one of my favorites from the early 1970s that has been aired this past year. It's really ironic that it aired on the day of his death. Rest in peace.

"Dynamite, they call me Dynamite, I try with all my might, they say I'm outta site....on my guitar..."

RIP David, thank you for the music.

vainandy said:

All these deaths are sad, and we still have December to go. Didn't JB die on Christmas day?

But, have you notice towards the end of each year there are usually a string of deaths in general. It's like God way ( or nature's way if your not religious) of wanting to start afresh for the New year.

vainandy said:

Yeah i had been jammin the jam, entrow, and hair a lot lately and i
also enjoyed the episode of soul train with them jammin can you handle it.
RIP dynamite for playin with all your might.