Bobby Espinosa, the man behind the Hammond organ and piano for the Legendary Latino Rock & Jazz, Blues group “EL CHICANO”, passed away last night (February 27, 2010). One of the original founding members of the group succumbed at 11:30 PM at White Memorial Hospital in East Los Angeles. He was 60 years of age. By his bedside included his children Reyna, Bobby Jr.; manager of the group, Freddie Sanchez; band mate Jerry Salas, as well as dear friends Tim, Norca and Michelle.

Espinosa has been a part of every recording the group has ever released, and was still actively performing with the group in concerts all over the world. Over the years he has played alongside many of the Top Artist’s of today. His compositions have been recorded by El Chicano and other artists, and he has been a producer on many of the group’s recordings and several outside music projects.

He was recently inducted into “Hammond Heroes” an elite society of the best players on the Hammond organ! An Honor bestowed on the gifted musician, the only “Chicano Artist” ever to be recognized for his unique style of Blues, Jazz and Latin music on the Hammond B3 organ.

A memorial to Espinosa is being planned for the near future. For more information, contact Freddie Sanchez at fs@elchicanomusic.com

Source:  JoeOrtiz.info     Go to: https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0ATj8FT0-P9ZqZGRjcjRxNGRfN2M0OXh2YmYz&hl=en