Trini Lopez

One of the most popular performers of the 1960s, Trini Lopez won a large international following for his upbeat, likable blend of folk and rock & roll. At a time when there were few Latin musicians in rock, he was outspokenly proud of his Mexican-American heritage, and often sang in Spanish, which helped boost his appeal outside the United States. His first album, Trini Lopez at PJ's, rose to number two in 1963 and spawned the number three hit version of Pete Seeger's "If I Had a Hammer." Propelled by a strong R&B-influenced backbeat and his own incessantly rhythmic guitar, Lopez was at his best when playing live. He also appeared in a number of films, including The Dirty Dozen and Marriage on the Rocks.