ICYMI: Alex Ligertwood, Former Santana Lead Singer, Dies at 79

Alex Ligertwood, who sang for Santana over several decades, has died. He was 79.

Ligertwood's wife and agent, Shawn Brogan, announced his death Tuesday on social media.

"Alex passed peacefully in his sleep with his dog Bobo by his side," Brogan wrote. "Alex was loved by so many. If you knew him, you loved him. He touched many with his extraordinary voice. He was all heart and soul. His favorite thing in life was to make music, sing and share his gift. He performed his last show just two weeks ago. I'm grateful for that. He did it his way, on his terms, till the end. I will always love you, my sweet Alex."

Ligertwood was born in Glasgow, Scotland. Early in his career, he played guitar and sang in local skiffle groups before joining the Jeff Beck Group and Brian Auger's Oblivion Express.

Ligertwood joined Santana in 1979. He sang with the band during five different stints through 1994, including performances at the US Festival in 1982 and Live Aid in 1985. He sang lead on songs such as "All I Ever Wanted," "You Know That I Love You" and "Hold On." He also co-wrote tracks including "Brightest Star," "Make Somebody Happy" and "Somewhere in Heaven."

"My idea of a vocalist is that he's a musician; his voice is his instrument," Ligertwood told spinterview.com in 2024. "Every song should have its own thing. Just like you can change the tones on a guitar, I can change the tone on my voice and sing the song the way it should be. I'm really into that, and using my voice as much as possible."

Brian Auger, leader of Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, wrote on Facebook, "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."

Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.