Al Hurricane

Al Hurricane
Hurricane performing in 2014
Hurricane performing in 2014
Background information
Birth nameAlberto Nelson Sanchez
Born(1936-07-10)July 10, 1936
Dixon, New Mexico, U.S.
DiedOctober 22, 2017(2017-10-22) (aged 81)
Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
Genres
Instruments
Years active1953–2017
Labels

Alberto Nelson Sanchez (July 10, 1936 – October 22, 2017), known professionally as Al Hurricane, was an American singer-songwriter, dubbed "The Godfather" of New Mexico music.[2][3][4] He released more than thirty albums, and is best known for his contributions to New Mexico's unique style of Spanish music.[5][6]

He received his nickname, Hurricane, from his mother. As a child, he would accidentally knock things over;[7] the nickname became synonymous with his band, studio, and a recording label.[8] His signature look, which included an eye-patch, was due to an automobile accident that occurred during the 1960s.[9] These things, as well as his performance style, led to Hurricane being known for his ability to improvise and adapt.[10] They have also led to his music and image being ultimately entangled with the history of New Mexico music.[11]

During his career he also performed alongside Chuck Berry, Chubby Checker, Jimmy Clanton, Fats Domino, Marvin Gaye, along with other country music and rock and roll musicians.[12][13]

  1. ^ "Show Up! – Weekly Alibi". Weekly Alibi. April 12, 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  2. ^ "Paying Tribute to the Godfather of New Mexico Music – Alibi". Weekly Alibi. February 27, 2014. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  3. ^ "Godfather of New Mexico at mid-century of career". Valencia County News-Bulletin. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  4. ^ "Northern New Mexico's Brian Garcia, a mix of talent and integrity". La Voz Colorado. February 16, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference HISPANONEWMEXICO was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Romero, David (August 27, 2018). "Hidden History: Hispanic Music and Culture". WFLA. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  7. ^ "Congressional Record, V. 149, PT. 10, May 22, 2003 to June 9, 2003" (PDF). Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  8. ^ "Al Hurricane at Loretto Park". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  9. ^ "The Early Show : WUSA : December 26, 2011 7:00am-9:00 am EST : Free Streaming : Internet Archive". The Early Show. December 26, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  10. ^ "In his 70s, Albuquerque's Al Hurricane remains a force of nature in music – and life : Music : Albuquerque Tribune". Albuquerque Tribune. Archived from the original on May 28, 2014. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  11. ^ Mary Jane Walker (2008). Family Music and Family Bands in New Mexico Music. pp. 118–124. ISBN 978-0-549-63692-2.
  12. ^ "Congressional Record – 108th Congress (2003–2004) – THOMAS (Library of Congress)". THOMAS. Archived from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
  13. ^ Herrera, Dan (January 16, 2016). "The legendary Al Hurricane's farewell tour". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved December 5, 2022.