"His music will play long after silence takes him."
Biography
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.
🎵 Memorial Song
🎵
Timeless Memories
Alvaro Barrera
🇺🇸 English
[Verse 1]
The chair still faces
the morning light
Your blue scarf folded
just right
I pass the doorway
slow and still
And hear your laugh
against the hill
[Pre-Chorus]
Every photo
keeps its glow
Every old song
starts to know
How to hold me
when I grieve
How your love
won’t leave
[Chorus]
Timeless memories
stay with me
Timeless memories
set me free
I hear your name
in the sea
Timeless memories
carry me
[Verse 2]
The garden roses
leaned your way
We picked them quiet
that spring day
Your hands were steady
mine were small
You taught me how
to stand through all
[Pre-Chorus]
Now the candles
burn so slow
But your light
still helps me go
Through the ache
and through the rain
Through the silence
through the pain
[Chorus]
Timeless memories
stay with me
Timeless memories
set me free
I hear your name
in the sea
Timeless memories
carry me
[Bridge]
If love is gone
then tell me why
It blooms so soft
when I say goodbye
In every tear
in every prayer
You’re not far off
you’re there
[Final Chorus]
Timeless memories
stay with me
Timeless memories
set me free
I hear your name
in the sea
Timeless memories
carry me
Timeless memories
carry me
His album "Tierra Mía" came out the year my parents immigrated here. They played it every Sunday for as long as I can remember. It was the sound of home.
— Elena Montoya
6 months ago
Featured"
Sam and I performed together for 20 years. He had a tone on that guitar that I have never heard from anyone else. Something warm and a little heartbroken. Perfect.
— Marco Delgado
6 months ago
Featured"
Samuel, you filled our home with music for 40 years. Now the silence is so loud I can't sleep. I love you forever.
— Carmen Vega
6 months ago
"
He gave my son free lessons for three years because he said the boy had something. My son is now performing professionally. Sam never let me pay him back.
— Rosa Vargas
6 months ago
"
Dad taught me guitar when I was six. He said music was the only language that doesn't require translation. I think about that every time I play.