Alex Ligertwood, a longtime lead singer for Santana, died Friday in Los Angeles, Fox News Digital confirmed. He was 79.
Details surrounding his death were not immediately released.
Ligertwood fronted the band across multiple eras, serving as lead vocalist in five different lineups from 1979 through 1994.
His wife, Shawn Brogan, shared online that she and her husband had been married for 25 years and had known each other for 36 years. She wrote, “It’s with great sadness and heartache to announce the passing of my sweet dear Alex Ligertwood, my husband of 36 years. Alex passed peacefully in his sleep with his doggy Bobo by his side yesterday. Alex was loved by so many. If you knew him, you loved him. He touched so many with his extraordinary voice. He was all heart and soul. His favorite thing in life was to make music, sing and to share his gift with us. He performed his last show just two weeks ago. I’m grateful for that. He did it his way, on his terms, till the end. I will always love you, my sweet Alex. Rest in peace. Soar and sing with the angels, my love. ♥️ Please keep me & his family, Lynn & Stewart Locke,Alex, Jenny, Kali, Merci & Marilo in your prayers. ♥️ “
Alex Ligertwood (born December 1946) was a Scottish singer and songwriter best known for his long tenure as lead vocalist for Santana during one of the band’s most commercially successful eras. He joined the group in 1979 and remained a key member through 1994, fronting multiple lineups and lending his powerful, soulful voice to a string of hits.
Ligertwood is widely recognized for his vocals on songs like “Winning,” “Hold On,” and “All I Ever Wanted,” which helped define Santana’s evolving sound in the late ’70s and ’80s as the band blended rock, pop and Latin influences. His dynamic stage presence and versatile vocal range made him a standout performer during years of heavy touring and chart success.
Before joining Santana, Ligertwood built a reputation in the rock and jazz scenes, performing with artists including Jeff Beck and Brian Auger. He also performed alongside Average White Band and David Sancious, according to Fox News Digital.