Alex Ligertwood -- who contributed lead vocals to iconic Latin rock band Santana over the years -- has died, TMZ has learned.
His daughter, Merci, announced the news Saturday, and the Brogan Agency confirmed the news Sunday, saying he "passed peacefully in his sleep with his doggy Bobo by his side" ... just 2 weeks after his final concert. He was living at his longtime home in Santa Monica when he died.
Brandon Paul, a guitarist who toured with Alex for the last several years as part of "Icons of Classic Rock," called Alex "a world-class professional" in a statement to TMZ. He went on ... "His voice was a force of nature -- soulful, from the heart, and legendary every single night. Beyond the music, he was an amazing human being and a dear friend."
Brandon added ... "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."
Alex Ligertwood grew up in Glasgow and sang for local bands as far back as the '50s skiffle craze. He had a brief stint singing for the Jeff Beck group in 1970, and he joined Santana in 1979. Ligertwood had five separate stints with Santana between 1979 and 1994. He sang on their commercially successful albums Marathon and Zebop! and on hits like their versions of Russ Ballard's "Winning" and Ian Thomas' "Hold On." Ligertwood was also Santana's singer when they played at Live Aid in 1985.
