Samuel Alejandro Vega

Samuel Alejandro Vega was a guitarist, composer, and music teacher who spent four decades sharing his love of Latin jazz with students across New Mexico. Born in Albuquerque to Mexican immigrants, Sam learned guitar from his father and never stopped learning. He performed with regional orchestras, released three self-produced albums, and taught hundreds of students — many of whom went on to professional music careers. Sam is survived by his wife Carmen, his daughter Isabela, and a music room full of instruments that will never sound quite right without him.