Mexican guitarist Javier Batiz, a instructor and inspiration to Carlos Santana and different musicians, handed away December 14 at his dwelling in Tijuana, Baja California. He was 80.

Often known as the “Godfather of Mexican Rock,” “La Layenda” (The Legend) and different sobriquets, Batiz got here to understand American blues guitarists comparable to B.B. King and John Lee Hooker as a teen by listening to an American radio station throughout the border in San Diego. In 1957, he based his rock band Los TJs and continued to be a musical fixture in Mexico for the remainder of his life.

He was recognized within the guitar world as the first musical affect and mentor to Carlos Santana, who took classes from Batiz as a youngster.

Famous musicians who carried out in Batiz’s band have been bassist Abraham Laboriel and Batiz’s sister, La Child. Batiz’s spouse, Claudia Madrid, sometimes performed drums in his bands. One other Mexican bassist, Marco Mendoza, additionally claimed Batiz as an affect.

Batiz and Santana saved in contact over the many years, and sometimes jammed onstage. At a 1993 live performance, Santana offered Batiz with a Paul Reed Smith guitar, which Batiz put to make use of instantly.

Batiz gained a number of Mexican music awards. He was recognized to be in declining well being when, in November, Tijuana mayor Isamel Burgueno offered him with a key to town. The mayor described Batiz as “…a proud Tijuana native [who embodied] a legacy of wrestle and perseverance, proof that if there’s a will, there’s a method.”
Batiz was interviewed in VG’s August 2000 concern. – Willie G. Moseley

This text initially appeared in VG’s Might 2025 concern. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.