Alex Ligertwood, whose powerful vocals brought a distinctive soul-infused energy to Santana’s sound during multiple tours of duty with the legendary rock band, died on May 1, 2026, at his Santa Monica home. He was 79.
The Scottish-born singer’s wife and agent, Shawn Brogan, broke the news Saturday evening through a Facebook post. The Brogan Agency confirmed his death the next day, revealing that Ligertwood had taken the stage for his final performance roughly three weeks before his passing. No cause of death was given.
“It’s with great sadness and heartache to announce the passing of my sweet dear Alex Ligertwood, my husband of 25 years, we knew each other for 36 years,” Brogan wrote. “Alex passed peacefully in his sleep with his doggy Bobo by his side yesterday.”
Brogan requested prayers for herself and the couple’s children — daughters Merci and Kali, and son Brandon.
A Voice Forged In Glasgow
The Glasgow native developed a vocal style that critics and fellow musicians characterized as simultaneously soulful and technically fearless, equally suited to arena rock anthems and complex jazz-rock fusion. Before his association with Santana made him a recognizable name to rock audiences worldwide, Ligertwood honed his craft alongside some of music’s most demanding artists.
During the early 1970s, he performed with guitar legend Jeff Beck in the Jeff Beck Group. He subsequently joined keyboardist Brian Auger — who had previously worked with Rod Stewart and Jimi Hendrix — in Oblivion Express, where he refined the jazz-rock approach that became his signature. His resume also included work with French outfit Troc in the early 1970s, American rock group the Dregs during the 1980s, and Go Ahead, a Grateful Dead spinoff, in the mid-to-late 1980s.
The Santana Years
Ligertwood became the most enduring frontman of Carlos Santana’s post-Woodstock lineup, serving as lead vocalist across five separate stints between 1979 and 1994. His contributions helped define the band during an era that produced hits including “You Know That I Love You,” “Winning,” “All I Ever Wanted,” and “Hold On.”
Beyond singing, Ligertwood contributed as a songwriter, with credits on tracks such as “Somewhere in Heaven” and “Make Somebody Happy.” His recorded work with Santana includes 1979’s “Marathon,” 1981’s “Zebop!,” 1982’s “Shango” and 1993’s “Sacred Fire: Live in South America.” The live album captured him performing alongside Jorge, Carlos Santana’s brother, in what fans have described as the band operating at peak intensity.
On July 13, 1985, Ligertwood commanded the stage before an estimated 1.9 billion viewers worldwide when Santana performed at Live Aid, the global benefit concert.
Working Until The End
The veteran singer maintained an active performance schedule well into his final years. Recently, he toured with guitarist Brandon Paul in Icons of Classic Rock, a project that showcased material from his extensive career. His daughter Merci confirmed he kept performing right up until his death, exactly as he wished.
“My dad loved many things,” Merci said. “At the forefront were his family & friends, music, and Scotland. He continued doing shows up until the very end, just the way he wanted.”
Paul honored his late collaborator as “a world-class professional” whose voice was “a force of nature — soulful, from the heart, and legendary every single night.” He noted that having “a vocalist who worked with icons like Carlos Santana and Jeff Beck compliment my guitar playing is something I will carry with me forever.”
Tributes Pour In
Brogan’s Facebook announcement, accompanied by photos of the musician, generated an immediate wave of responses from admirers and colleagues who remembered Ligertwood as warm, giving, and deeply committed to his art.
As of Monday, May 4, representatives for Santana had not issued a public statement. Ligertwood leaves behind his wife, his three children, and a body of work — from Marathon to Sacred Fire — that documented a vocalist who, those who knew him best say, inhabited his music rather than merely delivering it.
