06/12/2026
Albert Nelson Sanchez, Jr. of Albuquerque passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack on May 19, 2026 at the age of 66. Born on October 30, 1959 to Alberto Nelson Sanchez and Nettie Fleming (Marcum), he was known to the public as Al Hurricane, Jr., a moniker he adopted from his father, Al Hurricane.
Al Hurricane, Jr. was known for his unique tenor voice, infectious laugh, brilliant smile, larger than life personality, and his heart of gold.
After making his public musical debut at 5 years old, he would go on to perform for another 6 decades, majority of this at his father’s side. While Al Hurricane, Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps, he quickly made a name for himself and carved out a legacy that will last forever. He helped craft the sound of the popular ranchera music that many loyal fans enjoy today.
In 1976, Al, Jr. released his first album titled, “El Joven” featuring a string of hits including “El Pintor.” Two years later in 1978, the title track from the release, “Flor de Las Flores” remained in the top ten of Latin hits in the Southwestern United States for years.
In branching out from their recordings on the Hurricane Records label, Al Hurricane and Al Hurricane, Jr. recorded under the group name of Bandido on the illustrious Musart record label out of Mexico, producing two albums. Then in 1989, they recorded the third and final album as Bandido under the EMI Capitol record label. The style of music was different, but produced such hits as "Seis Rosas Amarillas," "Veronica," and "No Pasará Lo Mismo."
Throughout the 1980's, both father and son were consistent favorites for dances in local venues and major shows all around the Southwestern United States.
In 1991, Al & Al, Jr. returned to recording the rancheras and cumbias they are known and loved for, culminating in "The Return of El Godfather... Al Hurricane" and Al, Jr.’s "Siguiendo Los Pasos de Su Padre" in 1995.
In 2001, Al Hurricane, Al Hurricane, Jr., and The Hurricane Band traveled to Malaga, Spain where they performed in front of 20,000 screaming fans.
In April 2015, Al and Al Jr. kicked off The Hurricane Farewell Tour to honor Al Hurricane and his incredible career. The tour sold out venues in places like Denver, Colorado, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Albuquerque and Silver City, New Mexico.
2018 saw the creation of the first Hurricane Fest show, an annual music festival featuring Al, Jr. and other prominent Latin acts. Then in 2019, the festival expanded to include War and Tower of Power headlining the first of a two-night event.
In 2024, Al Hurricane Jr. celebrated his 50th anniversary in performing New Mexican music. The year-long festivities included exclusive appearances, including a big, one night only performance that year at Sandia Casino Amphitheater.
With the rich musical tradition that his father left for him after his passing, Al Jr.’s dedication to the music continued with his latest recordings. In 2026, Al Hurricane, Jr. was on the verge of completing his next album, with the release of the single "No Vuelvo A Tomar" just less than two short months before his untimely passing.
Although music was a big part of his life, Al, Jr. was also an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman. You could catch him on any given day on one of the golf courses throughout Albuquerque. He played in many charity golf tournaments, and recently was excited to have played Ocotillo Golf Club and the Country Club of Colorado nestled in the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. He enjoyed spending his weekends off hunting in the crisp northern New Mexico fall air and loved deep sea fishing trips to Cabo and Alaska.
Music was his calling in life, but his daughters and grandchildren were the loves of his life. Nothing brought him greater pride, joy, or fulfillment than being their father and grandfather. Al, Jr. was the epitome of a girl dad and grandpa, but he could not hide his excitement when he learned he would have his first grandson. Having daughters softened him in a way that allowed his sensitive side to shine. He grew from the dad who learned to do ponytails, to the best friend who offered a shoulder for broken hearts to cry on, to the most steadfast supporter that rooted his children and grandchildren on from every event, sideline, and banquet. His daughters and grandchildren will always be his biggest fans.
Al, Jr. is survived by his three daughters, Samantha Sanchez (Josh and Palmer,) Alexis Sanchez (Gregory,) and Alyssa Justus (Matthew); granddaughter Laila; grandson Noah; stepfather Don Fleming; siblings Darlene Rosales, Sandra Tinlin, Jerry Sanchez, Nelson Sanchez, Erika Cavalier, and Danielle Sanchez; many nieces and nephews; uncles Morrie Sanchez and Gabe Sanchez; aunt and godmother Frances Flores, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Albert Nelson Sanchez; mother Nettie Fleming; sister Lynnea Sanchez; grandmothers Bennie L. Sanchez and Jane Padilla; and grandfathers Jose Margarito Sanchez and William Marcum.
The Sanchez family would like to invite you to join us in honoring the life of Al Hurricane, Jr.
Rosary:
Friday, June 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Queen of Heaven Church
Funeral services:
Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Queen of Heaven Church
Al Hurricane, Jr. was an incredible man and artist and we realize many people are eager to share in this moment. As space is limited at the church, there will be a live stream option through the KRQE Now app on Apple TV and SmartTV devices, plus the KRQE YouTube channel. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time!
Webstream:
https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/krqe-to-stream-al-hurricane-jr-funeral-mass/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRS3uf4Py58
