Viva Al Hurricane!

El Godfather in action

The Godfather of New Mexico music, Alberto Sanchez, better known as Al Hurricane, is hanging it up. At the age of 79, he's near the end of his "Farewell Tour." What's being billed as his last show will be Saturday, Sept. 5, during the Fiesta de Santa Fe’s Mariachi Extravaganza at the Fort Marcy Ballpark.

I was saddened to learn that Al is suffering from Stage 4 prostate cancer.

My New Mexican colleague Staci Matlock just wrote a wonderful profile of Hurricane's life and career in today's paper. You can find that HERE. You also should check out some more videos of Al's interviews, shot by Natalie Guillen, HERE.

And if you've really come down with Hurricane mania, you can even check out the 1998 profile I did.  I tacked it on a political column from a few years ago in which I'd mentioned Al. CLICK HERE (and scroll down for the profile.)

New Mexico loves you, Al!

Enjoy some of his music below.