Trini Lopez [RIP]

Trini Lopez Dies of COVID-19 at 83

Trini Lopez has died of complications from Covid-19. He was 83. His debut album Live at PJ’s is one of my all-time favourites; one of my most-played records. And it is without a doubt the album I would recommend as music’s equivalent of a Happy Pill. I find it impossible to hear this album without having a smile, without hearing a smile. Trini Lopez knew how to communicate a song.


The many standards and cover versions that dominated his repertoire are served up here, and on other recordings (I’ve collected a handful, having been turned on to his sound by hearing PJ’s and it’s second volume) without instrumental virtuosity; the focus always on the song. Singalong classics.

So, sad news today. And a reminder – one of so many – of the impacts of Coronavirus. The brutality of it. Particularly for people in their 70s and older.

I’ll be thinking of Trini even more than normal today. I’ve already listened to Live at PJ’s twice this morning. And it’s about to go for another spin. So I’m hoping for a very good day despite this very sad news.


His music is happiness.