Santana Vocalist Alex Ligertwood Dies at 79

Alex Ligertwood, the Scottish-born singer who served as lead vocalist for Santana during five stints from 1979 to 1994, died at his longtime home in Santa Monica, California. He was 79.

His wife, Shawn Brogan, announced the death on social media, stating that Ligertwood "passed peacefully in his sleep with his doggy Bobo by his side" two weeks after his final performance. "It's with great sadness and heartache to announce the passing of my sweet dear Alex Ligertwood, my husband of 25 years," Brogan wrote. She described him as "all heart and soul," adding, "If you knew him, you loved him. He touched so many with his extraordinary voice." Brogan noted his passion for music, saying his favorite thing in life was "to make music, sing and to share his gift with us." She concluded, "He did it his way, on his terms, till the end. I will always love you, my sweet Alex. Rest in peace."

Ligertwood's daughter, Merci Marilo, also shared the news on Saturday. The Brogan Agency confirmed the details the following day.

A Glasgow native, Ligertwood began his musical journey in the 1950s amid Scotland's skiffle boom, singing in school choirs and his local Boys Brigade pipe band. His father, an...