Holly Mack, Daughter of Lonnie Mack Passes Away

 

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I find it amazing and I am honored by the number of friendships I have through social media. A few of these folks are with well-known people, generally musicians, that I had seen in concerts, and purchased their records when I was a much younger man. All are sweet, honest, approachable people that seem to take interest in my reminiscence of those earlier days. 

I have developed a special friendship with a handful of these folks. I am not going to be pretentious and drop names. Although I will mention this young lady that I befriended.

Lonnie Mack

In 2016 I wrote a blog article about Lonnie Mack. His music was very special to me during the days when I began playing guitar. 

The Wham of that Memphis Man

At age 12 I purchased his LP, “The Wham of that Memphis Man”, and slowed the turntable to half speed so I could pick up each line of what Lonnie was playing (only it was an octave lower). I learned to play guitar, note for note this way. And I was able to learn Memphis, and most of Wham. 

The Jockey Club

Back in the mid 1960’s there was a local night spot called The Jockey Club in Newport, Kentucky. It opened on Sunday afternoons for teen dances. As a 13-year-old kid I had the pleasure of seeing Lonnie Mack and his band play there. Lonnie made his home in nearby Southern Indiana. 

Fraternity Records

Lonnie's first recordings were done on Fraternity Records based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The actual studio was at King Records in Cincinnati.  Lonnie worked there  as a session player. When one act that he played guitar for was done, they still had 20 minutes left, Lonnie and his band used that time to cut some tracks.  These tracks became Lonnie's first recording.

Lonnie Mack Band 1963

While he was hustling gigs on the road, this album made it to number 4 on the R&B billboard charts. Guitar players from all over the world purchased this record and began to take notice his style. 

Lonnie said didn't listen to the radio, he just played clubs from Cincinnati to Miami and was unaware that he was becoming famous until a DJ told him his record was climbing to number one. 

Lonnie died of natural causes on April 21, 2016.

Holly Mack

About five years ago I met Lonnie’s daughter, Holly Mack, on Facebook, and struck up a friendship with her. She set me straight on a few points regarding her father’s history. 

Lonnie with #7

Holly had become the keeper of all things Lonnie Mack. She owned his iconic Gibson 1959 Flying Vee, serial number 007, or as Lonnie called it “Number 7”. Holly also owned his original Magnatone amplifier. The “True-Vibrato” on that gave Lonnie his unique tone. She was the proud owner of Flying V Music publishing company, and Flying V Records.

Lonnie with Great Grandson
and daughter, Holly

I found myself fortunate to write back and forth to Holly. So, I was devastated to learn that she passed away this past Monday, June 22nd. I knew Holly was facing some health problems. But she did not talk about them. She had cancer. 

Holly passed away at 12:31 pm at her home. 

Holly and Lonnie Mack

Holly Mack was beloved by many folks, especially those that knew her and lived in Nashville, where she made her home. She was only 56 years old, a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her biggest heartache in life was the loss of her son, James Featherman III.  

Holly Mack Obituary

Holly Christine McIntosh Featherman's life was a testament to love, resilience, and kindness. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those she touched. I personally will miss her sassy attitude, humor, and knowledge. 

She must have known her end was near. Her last Facebook post was done on Father's Day, June 16, 2026. She said, "See ya soon Dad. Happy Rockin Father's Day Asshole. LOL".  May her memory live on and not be forgotten.

©UniqueGuitar Publications (text only) 2026

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God speed Holly. May you Rest In Peace.