As my annual Memorial Day tribute to my family gone before me is a now a heartfelt and gentle memory. My oldest brother Orlando, now gone four years, is remembered twofold.
Many of our readers know their southern neighbor, New Mexico via relatives, roots or because of its name, the Land of Enchantment.
In 1972 a 19-year-old young me left Albuquerque to continue her education and find simultaneous work in Denver, I moved in with my brother, Orlando and family. I learned kindness from him.
My New Mexico small town life was behind me as I now pursued a life miles from my culture, friends and all that was northern New Mexico.
My brother who was a reminder of our culture had moved from Los Angeles to Denver with wife and son. That move brought comfort and peace to our family. His love of music by his beloved New Mexico’s Al Hurricane, Sr. and brothers Tiny Morrie, Baby Gaby, son Al Hurricane, Jr. and the Sanchez Family talent was a constant. My brother’s life always included northern New Mexico music and classic rock, home or car radio blaring. Even when music was not playing, he tapped his foot or moved his hand in rhythm to a song playing in his head. I love music because of him.
His life was also filled with the local sports heroes, NFL teams, the Denver Broncos, his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers and his Major League baseball hero, Roberto Clemente of the Pittsburg Pirates. I learned the game of baseball from him.
This past week Al Hurricane, Jr. passed at the age of 66. He still delivered exciting performances, and my brother was his #1 fan.
News of his passing took me back to the very first time I experienced the Sanchez talent some decades ago at the infamous GAO venue owned and operated by the entertainment legend and radio station owner, Paco Sanchez, Sr.
Brother Orlando secured tickets to that coveted event that included Al Hurricane, Sr. Tiny Morrie (who sang Lonely Letters), brother Baby Gaby, Morrie’s wife, Gloria Pohl and the then 12-year-old Al Hurricane, Jr.
That special night’s talent filled the air with northern New Mexico’s best music, with Al Hurricane, Sr. leading the pack with his trademark, La Mula Bronca, up and coming heartthrob Tiny Morrie and future dad to Sparx daughters, talented and handsome Baby Gaby, shining Gloria Pohl, future mom to the beautiful then future Sparx daughters) filled the GAO with song and dance. It was a night that reminded you that your culture never dies. As the music that defines New Mexico played its final song, that night was Al Hurricane, Jr.’s debut in Denver. A twelve-year-old young boy with talent to spare and a part of a family that taught an exciting lesson in family, culture and New Mexico magic. Adios Al Hurricane, Jr., you’ve left a positive mark.
I will never forget my brother Orlando. Much like the Al Hurricane Family, their love of family, culture and music perpetuates the magic of New Mexico through every New Mexican tune.
