Alex Ligertwood, Santana’s Legendary Vocalist, Passes Away at 79
Alex Ligertwood, the iconic British singer known for shaping Santana’s sound, has tragically passed away at the age of 79. His daughter, Merci, confirmed the news on Saturday, revealing that he died just weeks after his final performance on stage.
Ligertwood, renowned for his powerful voice and emotional delivery, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his long-time home in Santa Monica, California, with his dog, Bobo, by his side. His wife, Shawn Brogan, paid tribute to him on social media, describing him as “so loved by many.” She added, “If you knew him, you loved him. He touched so many hearts with his extraordinary voice. He had a big heart and soul.”
Brogan recalled Ligertwood’s final performance, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to see him perform on his terms, until the very end. “He did it his way, on his own terms, until the very end,” she wrote. “I’m so grateful for that.”
Ligertwood’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the music world. Guitarist Brandon Paul, who toured with Ligertwood as part of the “Icons of Classic Rock” group, hailed him as a “world-class professional artist.” Paul described his voice as “a natural power – full of emotion, coming straight from the heart and legendary every night.”
Throughout his career, Ligertwood’s vocals helped define some of Santana’s biggest hits. As the lead singer of the band at various times between 1979 and 1994, his distinctive voice featured prominently on albums like Marathon (1979), Zebop! (1981), Shango (1982), and Sacred Fire: Live in South America (1993). His contributions to Santana’s hits such as “Winning,” “Hold On,” and “All I Ever Wanted” remain unforgettable.
Beyond Santana, Ligertwood also performed with major acts such as Jeff Beck Group and Average White Band, solidifying his reputation as a respected and versatile figure in the music industry.
In the years leading up to his death, Ligertwood had been living in Santa Monica, California, battling health issues. His passing marks the end of an era for the rock world, and tributes continue to pour in from musicians and fans alike, honoring his exceptional talent.
The tribute band The Magic of Santana also expressed their sorrow, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Alex’s passing. We had an amazing journey with him, learning so much about music, passion, and friendship. He was one of the greatest singers on this planet, and we will miss him dearly. Thank you, Alex, for everything!”
Ligertwood’s legacy in the world of music, especially in shaping the sound of Santana, will continue to resonate for generations to come.
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