On March 17, 2005 Rancho Mirage, California the world lost an American music original named "Lalo Guerrero". Lalo became the voice, who spoke of our people for more than 65 years, through his humor, and his creatively wonderful music. His humor, and wit provided social commentaries, and always asking simply "Why". This was unique to Mr. Guerrero, because he cared about tell our unique American story, and the "Chicano-American" experience, exposing our culture to the world with his music. He cared what happened when no one else even noticed we existed. On a personel note, I was lucky enough to get to know this simple man, his friendship, spirit always flew high, always felt warm like the desert air of his native Tucson, Arizona where he was laid to rest. There will never be appearances for this legendary artist, who managed to connected with common America. He said many times, "how lucky he was to born Mexican-American, or as he would often say, "Born Chicano". We however, have his wonderful music that can be shared as an American treasure so that other may smile and enjoy. The musical world now seems a bit different, more empty, without his spirit. Lalo's music continues to inspire the next generation of musical artists who will follow in his large foot steps. He has inspired many latinos to become better America citizens, by treating each other a little better. He classic song "Nunca Jamas" reminds me that the presence of an American icon is now history. That saying that goes, "you never know how much you miss someone until they're no long here". The spirit that was Lalo, continues to live in his music and in every Latino child who ever heard "Las Ardillitas de Lalo Guerrero", and the voice of his altered ego, Panfilo" on the radio, or joined in song to "La Bamba" with Papa Lalo with Los Lobos" at home with his "Papa's Dream" CD. He connected with so many on so many levels, skillfully weaving so many musical styles to commuicate his messages, he was the "Master Musician". The spirit stills, but it's now set free to roam whenever his music is again heard. He'll continue making people smile, or laugh a little at life, if not for a minute forgetting their troubles, worries, and cares. My thoughts, and prayers to my dear friend Lidia Guerrero, and her family. Lidia was Lalo's wife, his partner for more than 35 years. Lidia was Lalo's other half, she existed behind him, and always providing the love and support he needed to create. Our thoughts, and prayers also to all their children, and their grandchildren.

Note: Lalo Guerrero's music and voice on "Barrio Viejo" and "Vamos A Bailar" may be heard, and enjoyed in a new musical play, titled: "Cesar and Ruben", written and directed by Ed Begely Jr. This wonderful play deals the after life of farm labor leader Cesar Chavez, and of newspaper reporter Ruben Salazar, who is the first person to meet Cesar while waiting for to catch a train himself in the after life. The play centers around Cesar, and Ruben while they take a trip thru time, space, and dimension. This is skillfully accomplished on stage through music, and classic songs. The play is fun and the music is great. Cesar and Ruben were two of Lalo's long time friends in real life, and now the three icons reunit again in this wonderful musical. Lalo honored them both by composing corridos for each, telling their stories in song. The play contains music by Lalo Guerrero, Don Henley, Sting, Ruben Blades, Joni Mitchell, Santana, Enrique Iglesias, David Crosby, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, David Gray, Carmen Cristina Moreno, and other contemporary artist. The live play is simply wonderful, enjoyable, and fun to experience. "Cesar and Ruben" comes highly recommended, and is Rated "G" for GREAT!

From: Lalo Guerrero

Lalo Guerrero was 88 years young when he left us. I was with him a day before his passing, he asked if I would "Thank His Friends", for providing him so many years of love and support. Lalo in the end never forgot this friends, there are so many spanish speaking kids around the world who grew-up listening to Lalo and his "Ardillitas" children recordings. Generations of kids grew with the Ardillitas that many became life long fans of Lalo Guerrero without ever meeting Lalo in person, and those recordings continue to delite young and old alike. Most say, they felt like they knew Lalo personally, and considered him an old friend, because that's the way Lalo made everyone feel, so to my friend Lalo, I would simply say, "Gracias for your friendship", may God bless, cause now heaven has one hell of a band. To "Panfilo", "Las Ardillitas", and "Papa Lalo" the world will miss all of you. These characters became Lalo's alter egoes throughout the years. Adios Lalo the VOICE many Americans, that voice is now a simple silence.

Tu Amigo, Con Mucho Amor y Carino - Benjamin Esparza

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