Trini Lopez, star of ‘The Dirty Dozen’, dies from Covid-19 aged 83

Mexican-American singer and actor Trini Lopez has passed away from Covid-19 at the age of 83, according to multiple reports.

The Dirty Dozen star died in hospital in Rancho Mirage, California, after contracting the virus, reports The Guardian.

An accomplished musician, Lopez was signed by Frank Sinatra after he saw him play at PJ’s nightclub in west Hollywood. Lopez was mentored by Buddy Holly and Ol’ Blue Eyes and even went on to design guitars for the Gibson Guitar Corporation.

He released his debut album in 1963 and enjoyed huge success with his cover of Peter, Paul and Mary’s ‘If I Had a Hammer’.

He then tried his hand at acting and starred alongside the likes of Donald Sutherland, Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson and Clint Walker in 1967’s The Dirty Dozen. 

Many tributes have poured in for Lopez since the news broke, with singer Pat Boone writing on Facebook: “Trini Lopez…what a great guy and wonderful friend. We played in celebrity tennis tournaments and laughed and sang. We both knew we were blessed to make a good living doing what we loved—making others happy! I’ll miss him—for a little while.”

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl wrote on Twitter: “Today the world sadly lost yet another legend, Trini Lopez. Trini not only left a beautiful musical legacy of his own, but also unknowingly helped shape the sound of the Foo Fighters from day one.

“Every album we have ever made, from the first to the latest, was recorded with my red 1967 Trini Lopez signature guitar. It is the sound of our band, and my most prized possession from the day I bought it in 1992. Thank you, Trini for all of your contributions.”

Tributes also poured in from fans, with one writing: “I was lucky to see Trini Lopez perform In Hammersmith, London during the early 1960’s, and also saw Roy Orbison at Hammersmith Odean. Both amazing talented entertainers. RIP Mr. Lopez, I still have your song, if I had a Hammer, and I will sing it and play it this morning. You, sir, were amazing.”

Another said: “In through the pearly gates and through a beautiful grove of lemon trees.” While another commented: “You were my idol back in my teens. Still listen to your songs…you were the best smooth voice! Dreamy!”