A guitar legend and mentor to Carlos Santana, he leaves an immortal legacy in Mexican music.
Javier Batizprecursor of Mexican rock, died this Saturday, December 14 at the age of 80, after a battle against cancer. The news was confirmed by his wife, Claudia Madridthrough social networks, where he expressed his love and admiration for the musician.
The Secretary of Culture spoke out and lamented the artist's death, recognizing his fundamental role in the country's musical history. Batizwho was hospitalized in previous months due to health complications, is an essential rock reference in Mexico.
The Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico mourns the death of the guitarist and composer Javier Bátiz. Founder of Los TJ's, he renewed the border and Mexican music scene in the 1960s with a style influenced by blues and American rock. He mixed… pic.twitter.com/misAFGOYt2
— Secretary of Culture (@cultura_mx) December 15, 2024
His influence crossed borders, as he mentored Carlos Santana and collaborate with great national artists such as TOlex lora. At the end of November of this year, he was honored in his native Tijuana with the delivery of the keys to the citya recognition of his unmatched career. Artists like him Lazy and Company and Alex Lora They already spoke out about the unfortunate news:
With deep admiration we wish that your legacy and your music remain in eternity, it is the last farewell to the maestro @javierbatiz you will always be one of the greatest pioneers of Mexican rock, rest in peace, our most sincere condolences to the Batiz family pic.twitter.com/ltc7URw6jZ
— El Haragán y Cía (@ElHaraganyCia) December 14, 2024
Who was Javier Bátiz?
Born on June 3, 1944 in Tijuana, Baja California, Javier Batiz He began his musical career at the age of 13. In 1957 he formed The TJ'sa band that collected the influences of blues and rock that crossed the border, being inspired by artists such as BB King, Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters. His unique style and mastery of the guitar led him to become a benchmark for blues and rock in Mexico, laying the foundations for future generations.
Batiz Not only did he have an innate ability as a guitarist, he was also a teacher who left his mark on musicians like Carlos Santana and Alex Lorawhom he inspired to find their own style. Throughout his career, he was a bridge between blues and rock, adapting foreign genres to the Mexican context and giving them their own identity.
The legacy of Javier Batiz transcends his music, with murals that immortalize his image and tributes that celebrate his life, Batiz leaves a paved path for those who dream of taking the guitar beyond borders. Its unique sound, full of strength and sensitivity, will remain engraved in the memory of Mexican culture. His guitar remains silent, but his music will last for eternity.
