‘Godfather of New Mexico music’ Al Hurricane, 81

Al Hurricane, known as the “Godfather of New Mexico music” for developing a distinct sound bridging the state’s Hispanic traditions with country and rock, has died at the age of 81.

His son, Al Hurricane Jr, said his father died from complications related to a long battle against prostate cancer.

Hurricane’s death came two years after he went on a farewell tour following his announcement he had stage 4 prostate cancer.

Born Alberto Nelson Sanchez on July 10 1936 in the village of Dixon, New Mexico, he was raised in Ojo Sarco before moving to Arizona and later Albuquerque.

Hurricane began his professional music career by singing in Albuquerque Old Town restaurants before releasing his first songs, Lobo and Racer, under the band Al Hurricane and the Night Rockers in 1962.

He released his first album, Mi Saxophone, in 1967.

The album contained his signature song Sentimiento, a ballad he wrote for his first wife and the mother of his four children.

In 1969, while on a trip to Colorado, a car carrying Hurricane and five band members skidded on an icy bridge and overturned five times.

A piece of glass struck Hurricane’s right eye, causing him to lose it.

He was to wear an eye patch for the rest of his life, and it would become part of his unique look.

In his later years, Hurricane campaigned on behalf of former US Representative Heather Wilson and current New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, both Republicans.