Trini Lopez, 1937-2020, RIP from Covid-19*

Although no obituaries have been published yet, it has been confirmed on his official Facebook page that Trini Lopez passed away from COVID-19

 

This is a comment on Trini Lopez in general (nothing to do with whatever's going on right now).

I remember when I was very young (in the '70s), and not knowing any better,
and seeing (on Reprise promotional material, maybe inner sleeves) pictures of Trini Lopez records next to those of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin etc.
thinking that he was part of that "group" (what I later learned was the Rat Pack).

It wasn't until that John Sebastian hosted PBS show on Folk Music came out that I ever saw footage of Trini Lopez, and realized that he wasn't part of that "in-crowd".
I did not know until then he too had a hit with "If I Had a Hammer". Up to then I was only familiar with Peter Paul and Mary (and also a cover version by the Four Tops which is on their 1966 live album).

 

RIP Trini!

 

This is the official page. It has a lot of RIP notices from fans, but no official announcement.

Trinidad Lopez III

 

David Ross says he did in fact pass

 

RIP, Trini. Friend to the Beatles, played with them during their residency in Paris.

 

Who?

 

Oh.... sorry. He will be remembered.

 

Trini was kind of an outside group of celebrities,sometimes showing up in Sinatra/Martin/Davis films. Trini takes part in an infamous skit on Soupy Sales,including Sinatra,Sammy Davis Jr. & just desserts. Trini recorded on Reprise,after Sinatra saw him perform. Trini had a decent string of single hits and certainly helped Warner/Bros. bottom line. Trini shows up in a Sinatra/Dean Martin film,Marriage On The Rocks,as a performer and made appearances on both Martin & Davis' variety shows. He had an album based on a one shot special,The Trini Lopez Show,with the Ventures and Nancy Ames on the disc,but I can't find info on imdb about airing and other credits.

 

While this gets sorted out, here’s a fine example of his charm, from Hullabaloo.

 

BREAKING NEWS: Trini Lopez has passed away | Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

 

My favorite record as a little kid was Trini's "Live at PJs", I wore out a copy or 2

 

PALM SPRINGS LIFE on Instagram: “Trini Lopez, who has lived in Palm Springs since the 1960s, passed away Aug. 11. One of the well-known songs from his hit 1963 album was…”

 

Guitar.com is citing Palm Springs Life Magazine.

Palm Springs Life does not appear to be citing anyone. They mention P. David Ebersole, but they do not clarify if Mr. Ebersole provided the confirmation or if he merely provided the picture accompanying their post.

 

To those with a personal, emotional connection to Trini, I share your loss. Another one of those icons of my childhood that mostly came to prominence out of the corner of my eye.

I do have one 45 EP, with four songs on it. It was a promotional release for Fresca. As I recall, he'd done a jingle and a TV spot for them around that time. My favorite track was "If I had A Hammer".

I think it comes out this evening, so I can play it for my wife, who has never heard it.

 

Trini Lopez III Dead: Legendary Singer Dies 83 From Covid-19 | Heavy.com

 

Wikipedia updated Trini's page to say that he passed away.

 

Trini Lopez III Dead: Legendary Singer Dies 83 From Covid-19 | Heavy.com

 

This Is Trini Lopez, a playlist by Spotify

I didn't know that so many of his songs were such a celebration of life! If you want celebrate Trini's life with him have a listen to this great life affirming playlist! The kind of music we need right now!

 

RIP

 

I remember how "If I Had A Hammer" hit like it was shot out of a cannon.

 

So everything is confirmed now?

 

R.I.P. Trini

 

Sister of Trini's God-niece.