Al Hurricane
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]
Al Hurricane
Alberto Nelson Sanchez
July 10, 1936
Dixon, New Mexico, U.S.
October 22, 2017 (aged 81)
Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
- Vocals
- Guitar (Gibson 335, 137, 347)[1]
- Saxophone
- Piano
1953–2017
- Hurricane Records
- Atlantis Records
- Warner Bros. Records
- Challenge Records
- Apt Records
- EMI
- Capitol
- Discos Musart
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]
Biography[edit]
Early life and beginnings (1930s–1950s)[edit]
Al Hurricane was born on July 10, 1936[5][14] as Alberto Nelson Sanchez the first of five children to Jose Margarito Sanchez and Bennie L. Sanchez[15] in Dixon, New Mexico.
The Sanchez family moved to Silver City and the father worked in the mines until he was injured. Consequently, Bennie returned to work as a clerk at a department store in a Silver City. Jose had a band, called Los Sanchez, Bennie would often join in on vocals and guitar. She eventually became a licensed practical nurse while traveling with physicians throughout Northern New Mexico. His father and mother were extremely supportive of their children. Jose, Al's father, was a miner during most of his childhood; but he still found the time to teach the five-year-old Alberto how to play the guitar. Al's mother, Bennie, made quite a name for herself, she became the president of Hurricane Enterprises. She not only promoted her musically-inclined family, but also promoted concerts for Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Chubby Checker, Fats Domino, Little Richard and, the one she was particularly proud of, a 1972 Elvis Presley concert in Albuquerque.[16][17] Her own musically talented family didn't just consist of her sons Al Hurricane, Baby Gaby and Tiny Morrie; it also consisted of Al Hurricane's sons Al Hurricane, Jr. and Jerry Dean; as well as Tiny Morrie's children Lorenzo Antonio and the members of Sparx.[11]
During his childhood he moved to Albuquerque, where he began to play and perform in Old Town at the age of 12.[18] He attended Old Albuquerque High, which he graduated from in 1954.
Al Hurricane and the Night Rockers (1950s–1960s)[edit]
Al became a singing waiter at the La Casita Restaurant in Old Town and, while he wasn't working, he played for tips in and around Old Town Plaza. He also began to sing and write country and rock n' roll music. During this time Al would also perform at the Sky Line Club. It was at this club, and several others, around Albuquerque and New Mexico that he built his audience. One of Al Hurricane's first single records was distributed by Warner Bros. Records it contains two tracks, titled "Lobo" & "Racer". They are both instrumental rock songs and were released in 1962 under the band name Al Hurricane & the Night Rockers with writing credits to "Albert Sanchez – Morrie Sanchez".[19] Other single recordings by Al Hurricane from this time, recorded at Norman Petty's studio include, "South Bend / Burrito" (1960 Apt Records instrumental), "Panchita / La Mula Bronca" (Challenge Records, first tracks with vocals), "Mexican Cat / Pedro's Girlfriend" (Hurricane Records instrumental), and "Rosita's Café / Only A Game (Tiny Morrie)" (Hurricane Records).[20][21]
Legacy[edit]
Al Hurricane had eight children: Al Hurricane, Jr., Darlene Rosales, Sandra Tinlin, Jerry Sanchez, Nelson Sanchez, Erika Cavalier, Danielle Sanchez, and Lynnea Sanchez.[41] Some of his children are musicians, Al Hurricane Jr., Jerry Dean, and Erika Sanchez.[42] Jerry Dean's son Christian Sanchez is a musician as well.[43]
In 2015, Hurricane gave an exclusive interview about his life to August March at Weekly Alibi.[44] Al was known for supporting candidates based on their love for New Mexico, as opposed to political party, so he supported campaign events for both Democratic and Republican candidates.[45][46] In 2017, the city of Albuquerque named the center stage of the Albuquerque Plaza after him, the city council chose to name the stage the "Al Hurricane Pavilion".[47][48] During the ceremony, Republican mayor Richard Berry dedicated the stage in Al’s honor. It was also at this ceremony where Al Hurricane gave his final public performance.
He died of prostate cancer on October 22, 2017, at the age of 81.[49][50][51] His funeral service was held on October 30, at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Albuquerque.[52]
Southwestern and Western US artists, folklorists, and writers did feature stories about Al Hurricane's contributions to New Mexico music, and how he popularized the style with country, rock, and regional Mexican audiences in New Mexico. National publications like The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Latino USA, the Smithsonian Institution, and The Recording Academy's Grammys had articles discussing the legacy Al Hurricane had on New Mexico's culture. These articles were written by writers including Gustavo Arellano,[53][54] Simon Romero,[55] and Enrique Lamadrid.[56][57]