Renowned Former Santana Vocalist Alex Ligertwood Passes Away at 79

Alex Ligertwood, renowned for his time as lead vocalist with the legendary band Santana, has passed away at 79. His wife confirmed that he died at their home in Santa Monica, California.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Ligertwood’s passing was shared by his wife, Shawn Brogan, in a heartfelt message on Facebook this past Sunday.

Brogan expressed her grief, stating, “It is with great sadness and heartache that I announce the passing of my sweet dear Alex Ligertwood, my husband of 25 years. Alex passed peacefully in his sleep, with his beloved dog Bobo by his side yesterday.”

She went on to describe how deeply Ligertwood was cherished by those who knew him, noting his profound impact through his remarkable voice. “Alex was loved by so many,” she said. “If you knew him, you loved him. He touched so many with his extraordinary voice and was all heart and soul.”

Ligertwood lent his vocal talents to the Carlos Santana-led band on five separate occasions between 1979 and 1994, leaving a lasting legacy in the music world.

Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Carlos Santana for further comment on the story. 

Singer Alex Ligertwood, a one-time lead vocalist for the iconic group Santana, has died at the age of 79 at his Santa Monica, California home, according to his spouse. Pictured 1987

The Glasgow, Scotland-born singer pictured at a May 2023 event in Mexico City 

Among the tracks he was featured on included the 1979 songs You Know That I Love You; and All I Ever Wanted; 1981’s Winning and 1982’s Hold On.

According to a report from Scotland’s The Herald newspaper, Ligertwood died in his sleep Thursday after dealing with poor health for a number of years. 

Ligertwood initially began playing guitar in the 1950s amid a boom in the skiffle genre, according to the paper, and performed in his school’s choir and Boys’ Brigade pipe band.

Ligertwood’s father, who was a musician who played the drums, and had a piano in the center of the family home, according to the newspaper. 

The family had relocated on a number of different occasions to neighborhoods in Scotland including Drumchapel, Govan, Kelvinhaugh and Partick.

Ligertwood gained experience in bands such as the Meridians, Kwintones and the Senate,’ the paper reported. 

His time singing with the latter band provided him a key opportunity in his career that paved the way for him to take the stage with Santana. 

Ligertwood’s vocal skills earned him a residency in Rome that led to him collaborating with artists such as Santana, Jeff Beck, and Brian Auger of The Oblivion Express, who called him ‘my dear friend and fellow traveller’ in a Facebook memorial he posted.

(L-R) Masayoshi Takanaka, Alex Ligertwood and Carlos Santana playing in Japan in 1981 

Ligertwood and the late Buddy Miles seen collaborating in the UK in 1986 

Ligertwood and the late Jorge Santana performed at Shoreline Amphitheatre on October 9, 1993 in Mountain View, California 

‘To me, Alex aka “Wee Eck” was simply the best singer to ever do it,’ Auger said. ‘In all my years of music, I never heard anyone who possessed that kind of range or that effortless, carefree ability to soar through a melody.

‘He didn’t just sing songs; he lived them. The world feels much quieter today without his voice, and I will miss my friend more than words can say. The big band in the sky just got infinitely better with Alex’s arrival.’

Another colleague, music manager Gregor Boraman, posted a memorial describing the late singer as ‘the man with the vocal range of a Moog synth, teller of incredibly risqué jokes [and] very proud Glaswegian.’

Noting his significant accomplishments in the music business, Boraman said he would ‘never forgot the amazing music and laughs from my time on the road with’ the late vocalist.

Ligertwood’s ‘favorite thing in life was to make music, sing and to share his gift with us,’ his widow said. 

Brogan said Ligertwood ‘performed his last show just two weeks ago. I’m grateful for that,’ adding, ‘He did it his way, on his terms, till the end. I will always love you, my sweet Alex.’

She ended the somber statement in saying, ‘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.’