Al Hurricane
| Al Hurricane | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Alberto Nelson Sanchez |
| Born |
July 10, 1936 Dixon, New Mexico, US |
| Origin | New Mexico |
| Genres | New Mexico music, Latin music, rock music, Norteño, Ranchera, Country Western, rock and roll, rockabilly, Corrido, Cumbia |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar (Gibson 335,137, 347), Saxophone, Piano |
| Years active | 1962–present |
| Labels | Hurricane Records, Atlantis Records, EMI Capitol, Discos Musart |
| Associated acts | Tiny Morrie, Baby Gaby, Al Hurricane, Jr., Jerry Dean |
Alberto Nelson "Al Hurricane" Sanchez (born July 10, 1936) is an American singer-songwriter, dubbed "The Godfather" of New Mexico music. He has released more than thirty albums, and is best known for his contributions to New Mexico’s unique style of Spanish music.
He received his nickname, Hurricane, from his mother. As a child, he would accidentally knock things over; the nickname became synonymous with his band, studio, and a recording label. His signature look, which includes an eye-patch, is due to an automobile accident that occurred during the 1960s. These things, as well as his performance style, have led to Al Hurricane being known for his ability to improvise and adapt. They have also led to his music and image being ultimately entangled with the history of New Mexico music.
Al Hurricane is often accompanied on stage by his children, sons Al Hurricane, Jr. and Jerry Dean, and daughter Erika. He has also performed frequently with his brothers Baby Gaby and Tiny Morrie. He was the subject of a tribute concert which was recorded as a set of two tribute albums, as well a DVD. He has also performed alongside Fats Domino, Marvin Gaye, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Clanton, and Chubby Checker.
Al Hurricane was born Alberto Nelson Sanchez the first of four children to Jose Margarito Sanchez (April 28, 1910, Ojo Sarco, New Mexico – September 10, 1979, Albuquerque, New Mexico) and Bennie L. Sanchez (November 26, 1918, Albuquerque, New Mexico – January 27, 2011, Albuquerque, New Mexico) in Dixon, New Mexico.
The Sanchez family moved to Silver City and the father worked in the mines, until he became injured. At which point 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. 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.
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