Scottish musician Alex Ligertwood, best known as the longtime vocalist for Santana, has died at the age of 79.
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His wife and agent, Shawn Brogan, confirmed the news.
No cause of death has been provided.
Rock Singer Dies as Wife Shares Emotional Tribute
Brogan announced Ligertwood's passing in a heartfelt social media post, reflecting on their decades together.
"It's with great sadness and heartache to announce the passing of my sweet dear Alex Ligertwood, my husband of 25 years, we knew each other for 36 years," she wrote. 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."
She added that Ligertwood performed his final show just two weeks before his death and said she was "grateful for that."
Brogan closed her tribute by writing, "I will always love you, my sweet Alex. Rest in peace. Soar and sing with the angels, my love."
Ligertwood joined Santana in 1979 and remained with the band until 1994, contributing to a defining era in their sound.
He performed at Live Aid in 1985 and featured on tracks including "You Know That I Love You," "Winning," "Hold On," and "Say It Again."
He also co-wrote songs such as "Somewhere in Heaven," "Brightest Star," and "Make Somebody Happy."
Daughter Reflects on Legacy as Tributes Continue
Beyond Santana, Ligertwood worked with a range of artists and groups, including the Jeff Beck Group, Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, and the Average White Band.
He also performed alongside John Cipollina and David Sancious.
In 2019, he released the album Outside the Box on Creatchy Records, continuing to create music later in life.
Ligertwood's daughter, Merci, shared a tribute in comments to TMZ following his death.
"My dad loved many things. At the forefront were his family & friends, music, and Scotland. He continued doing shows up until the very end, just the way he wanted," she said.
"Though he is no longer with us, it's a comfort to know his music and talent will live on. The outpouring of love is overwhelming and greatly appreciated by myself, my sister Kali, and brother Brandon. We miss you, Pops."
According to the same report, Ligertwood had been living at his longtime home in Santa Monica at the time of his death.
