Al Hurricane: The Godfather of New Mexico Music
Alberto Nelson Sanchez, known to the world as Al Hurricane, was more than just a musician; he was a cultural icon. Dubbed "The Godfather" of New Mexico music, Hurricane spent over six decades blending diverse genres to create a sound that mirrored the unique heritage of the American Southwest. From his early days as a singing waiter to his international tours, his career spanned a vast array of styles, including corrido (narrative ballads), ranchera, country, and rock and roll.
With over thirty albums to his name, Al Hurricane's influence extended far beyond the borders of New Mexico, bridging the gap between Chicano and Country music audiences and leaving an indelible mark on Latin music history.
Key Facts
- Birth Name: Alberto Nelson Sanchez (July 10, 1936 – October 22, 2017).
- Title: Known as "The Godfather" of New Mexico music.
- Musical Range: Mastered genres including New Mexico music, corrido, cumbia, jazz, rockabilly, and ranchera.
- Instruments: Vocals, guitar (specifically Gibson 335, 137, and 347), saxophone, and piano.
- Major Milestone: His hit single "Sentimiento" sold over 250,000 copies by 1974.
- Legacy: The Al Hurricane Pavilion in Albuquerque Plaza is named in his honor.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Dixon, New Mexico, as the eldest of five children, Alberto Nelson Sanchez moved to Albuquerque as a child. His professional journey began remarkably early; by the age of 12, he was already performing in Old Town. After graduating from Old Albuquerque High in 1954, he balanced work and art, serving as a singing waiter at the La Casita Restaurant while playing for tips in the Old Town Plaza.
During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Hurricane began writing country and rock and roll music, building a loyal following at venues like the Sky Line Club. In 1962, he released instrumental rock tracks "Lobo" and "Racer" under the name Al Hurricane & the Night Rockers, distributed by Warner Bros. Records.
Rise to Fame and the Signature Sound
In 1967, Hurricane released his first album, Mi Saxophone. To achieve a specific 1950s sonic quality, he used recording equipment purchased from Norman Petty—the same equipment used by the legendary Buddy Holly. This era produced the hit "Sentimiento," a song so influential that it was later covered by the superstar Selena Quintanilla for her album Alpha.
Hurricane's career was not without hardship. On November 1, 1969, a car accident on the way to a concert in Denver resulted in the loss of his right eye. Rather than retreating from the spotlight, he adopted an eye-patch, which became his signature performing look.
Expanding Horizons
Throughout the 1970s, Hurricane toured extensively across the Western United States—including California, Oregon, and Washington—and Northern Mexico. His reach eventually extended to international cities such as Buenos Aires, Asunción, and Málaga. His music, a blend of Latin, folk, and country/western, resonated deeply with both Chicano and Country music fans.
Collaborations and the Bandido Era
Family played a central role in Hurricane's musical evolution. In 1974, he collaborated with his brother, Tiny Morrie, on Para Las Madrecitas, a tribute to their mother. Later, in 1979, he recorded Cantan Corridos with his son, Al Hurricane Jr.
In the 1980s, Hurricane became the lead singer of the supergroup Bandido. The group released three albums and found success not only in New Mexico and Chicago but also internationally in Spain, Venezuela, and Germany.
Narrative Songwriting and Later Years
Hurricane often used his music to document history. Following the 1980 New Mexico State Penitentiary riot, he wrote "(El Corrido De) La Prison De Santa Fe," a strictly narrative account of the event. As he entered the 1990s and 2000s, he shifted focus toward Ranchera music while continuing to perform rock and country classics like Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode."
Final Years and Lasting Legacy
Until his final days, Al Hurricane remained a prolific artist. His last studio album, Hey Sugar Baby! (2010), experimented with global sounds, including Reggae and Italian music. He remained a non-partisan figure in his community, supporting political candidates based on their dedication to New Mexico rather than party affiliation.
Al Hurricane passed away from prostate cancer on October 22, 2017, at the age of 81. His final public performance took place during the dedication of the Al Hurricane Pavilion at the Albuquerque Plaza.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Active Years | 1953–2017 |
| Primary Genres | New Mexico music, Corrido, Ranchera, Country, Rock and Roll |
| Key Collaborators | Tiny Morrie, Al Hurricane Jr., Bandido (supergroup) |
| Notable Labels | Warner Bros., EMI, Capitol, Musart, Hurricane Records |
| Signature Song | "Sentimiento" |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Al Hurricane called "The Godfather" of New Mexico music?
He earned this title due to his immense influence in developing and popularizing the unique style of Spanish music native to New Mexico, blending it with other genres over a career spanning six decades.
What is a corrido?
A corrido is a narrative ballad, often in Spanish, that tells a story about historical events, legendary figures, or social issues, which Al Hurricane utilized in albums like Corridos Canta.
How did Al Hurricane's signature look originate?
His signature eye-patch was the result of a car accident on November 1, 1969, while he was traveling to a concert in Denver, Colorado, which caused him to lose his right eye.
Which famous artist covered Al Hurricane's music?
The legendary Latin artist Selena Quintanilla covered his song "Sentimiento" (titled "Sentimientos" in her version) for her album Alpha.
What was the significance of the Al Hurricane Pavilion?
The pavilion is the center stage of the Albuquerque Plaza, named by the city council to honor his contributions to the culture and music of New Mexico.