Al Hurricane Jr., born Alberto Nelson Sanchez Jr. on October 30, 1959, in Albuquerque, died on May 19, 2026, at the age of 66. The cause of death had not been confirmed at time of writing. His family announced the news on social media with a statement that said everything: “¡Qué viva El Godson!”
He began performing at age 5, singing “Love Potion No. 9” in front of thousands at the Albuquerque Civic Auditorium. He never really stopped. Over six decades, he performed alongside his father Al Hurricane Sr., the Godfather of New Mexico music, and his uncles Tiny Morrie and Baby Gaby, building a family musical dynasty that became inseparable from the cultural identity of the state. When his father died in 2017, the torch passed completely to Junior, and he carried it without hesitation.
Known as “El Godson,” he helped shape what is now recognized as Música Nuevo Mexicana, a sound rooted in corridos, rancheras, cumbia, and rock and roll, all filtered through the specific spirit of New Mexico. Guitarist Eric Lee, who played with both father and son for nearly 20 years, put it plainly: “When Al Hurricane and Al Hurricane Jr. took the stage, that’s it. People knew what they’re in for. It’s huge.” His bassist of 20 years, Danielle Andrade, described the band as family in every sense. “Me, my father, Al Hurricane Sr. and Al Junior would go to Denver Broncos games with each other. We’d go shooting at the range. It was more than just a band; it was family.”
The tributes from across New Mexico arrived immediately and from every direction. Mayor Tim Keller wrote that Hurricane was “the sound of New Mexico.” KANW Radio called him “a keeper of our heritage.” The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta said his spirit was woven into the fabric of what it means to be a New Mexican. The City of Belen, which had been preparing to welcome him as their headlining performer for the All American Celebration, offered condolences to a community that lost him before that moment could happen.
Lawrence Trujillo, who performed with Hurricane since 2014, summed up his significance to the people who grew up with his music in one line that needed no elaboration. “It’s as important to the culture as green and red chile.”
His brother Jerry Dean, himself a musician, spoke with the grief of someone who had just lost a mentor, an idol, and a big brother at the same time. They had played together just two weeks before at a funeral in Belen. Dean described it as one of the most intimate and meaningful performances they’d ever shared. “I was beaming from that whole thing. And then, it’s like, ‘Wow, I didn’t realize that we’re going to have to do your funeral now.'”
Al Hurricane Jr. is survived by daughters Samantha, Alexis, and Alyssa, and grandchildren Layla and Noah.