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But there is also comfort in knowing that the music is still available.
## A Legacy That Goes Beyond One Band
Alex Ligertwood will probably always be closely associated with Santana.
That’s understandable.
His voice became part of some of the band’s most recognizable recordings, and his performance at Live Aid placed him before an enormous worldwide audience.
But his legacy is larger than those credits.
He was a Scottish singer who followed his musical instincts across continents and genres.
He worked with Jeff Beck.
He performed with Brian Auger.
He became part of Santana’s history.
He wrote songs.
He recorded with numerous musicians.
And he continued performing into his seventies.
That is a remarkable musical journey.
## Remembering Alex Ligertwood
Alex Ligertwood died on April 30, 2026, at his home in Santa Monica, California. He was 79. His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Los Angeles Times+1
For those who knew him personally, his loss is that of a husband, father, friend and collaborator.
For musicians, it is the loss of a respected colleague whose career touched several generations.
And for fans, it is the loss of a voice.
A voice that could rise above a band.
A voice that could turn a melody into an emotional experience.
A voice that helped give Santana songs their character during an important period in the band’s history.
Alex Ligertwood may no longer be standing beneath the lights, microphone in hand.
But the recordings remain.
The songs remain.
And every time that unmistakable voice comes through the speakers, a piece of his extraordinary musical life comes alive again.