Trini Lopez, the actor, singer, and guitarist who appeared in the classic film The Dirty Dozen, has passed away at the age of 83.

The news of the ‘If I Had A Hammer’ cover maker’s death was first announced by Palm Springs Life Magazine.

“Trini Lopez, who has lived in Palm Springs since the 1960s, passed away Aug. 11. One of the well-known songs from his hit 1963 album was ‘If I Had A Hammer,’” they wrote in an Instagram post.

According to the reports, the 83-year-old South California resident succumbed to complications related to COVID-19.

Lopez was born in Texas in 1937. He started playing guitar professionally at the age of 15 before his first band, the Big Beats, made a deal with Columbia Records when he was 19.

Later on, Lopez embarked on a solo journey and eventually met Frank Sinatra who signed him to Reprise Records. During his time with the Reprise, the singer released his hit cover of ‘If I Had a Hammer.’

During his long and successful career, Lopez released plenty of albums featuring hits such as You Are My Sunshine, Lemon Tree, Gonna Get Along Without Ya’ Now, and Sally Was a Good Old Girl.

Besides establishing his name in the music industry, Lopez also appeared in several TV series and movies including tv show The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries and classic war film The Dirty Dozen.

According to Palm Springs Life Magazine, the actor’s death follows shortly “after a documentary on his life had wrapped shooting and editing.”

May he rest in peace.

 

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