Trini Lopez, 1960s-era singer, dies
August 12, 2020 7:47AM CDT
Singer Frank Sinatra and his two daughters arrive at Loews state theater in New York on June 23, 1965 for the premiere of film Von Ryans Express. Performance proceeds are to go to the national cystic fibrosis foundation. From left are Sinatra, unidentified man, Nancy Sinatra, entertainer Trini Lopez, and Tina Sinatra. (AP Photo)
By RUSSELL CONTRERAS and HILLEL ITALIE Associated Press
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Trini Lopez, a singer and guitarist who gained fame for his versions of “Lemon Tree” and “If I Had a Hammer” in the 1960s and took his talents to Hollywood, has died.
He was 83. Filmmaker P. David Ebersole confirms that Lopez died Tuesday from complications of COVID-19.
Lopez was mentored by Buddy Holly and Frank Sinatra and became an international star, performing in English and Spanish.
Unlike Mexican American singers such as Ritchie Valens, Lopez rejected advice to change his name.
Lopez crossed over into acting, appearing in the World War II drama “The Dirty Dozen,” the comedy “The Phynx” and credits on television’s “Adam-12.”
More about:
You Might Also Like
