The Tijuana native guitar player was a rock pioneer in Mexico and is known for being Carlos Santana’s mentor.
He passed away in the afternoon of Saturday, December 14, at 80 years old. The news was confirmed by his wife, Claudia Madrid, through an emotional message on social media.
The artist’s partner paid tribute to her husband’s musical legacy. “Dear friends and family, I want to tell you that our dear and beloved husband Javier Bátiz passed away today. His legacy and music will remain here forever. I love you, my love. Fly high, my angel.” The message was posted along with a picture featuring the loving couple.
On his official media pages, Mayor Ismael Burgueño of Tijuana mourned the guitar player’s death: “Javier was a proud Tijuana native, a legacy of struggle and perseverance, proof that if there is a will, there is a way.
The government of Baja California, led by Governor Marina del Pilar, also paid tribute to the Tijuana native musician and composer.
“His artistic legacy and love for his homeland will remain in everyone’s memories. Our condolences to his wife, María Esther Media Núñez “Baby Bátiz”, and his family. Rest in peace,” the statement read.
Lastly, Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT) shared a message on social media honoring Javier Bátiz’s memory and artistic legacy.
Bátiz, born on June 3, 1944, in Tijuana, Baja California, was a Mexican rock pioneer and one of his generation’s most influential artists. From a young age, he showed an innate talent for the guitar and founded the group “Los TJ’s” in 1957 in which he fused genres such as blues and R&B, creating a unique sound that would be known as the “Tijuana sound”. Its influence was crucial for the success of artists such as Carlos Santana, whom he mentored.
Throughout his career, he was recognized for his contribution to the development of rock in Mexico. In November 2024, he received the keys to the city of Tijuana from Mayor Isamel Burgueño due to his cultural impact.
Javier Bátiz leaves behind a musical legacy that will transcend space and time.
The Mexico Daily Post sends its deepest condolences to his family and friends, RIP Javier Batiz.
