Trinidad "Trini" Lopez was much more than a beloved singer and actor — he was a fixture of Palm Springs glamorous social scene, a man whose music and philanthropy resonated in the desert long after his iconic hits faded from the airwaves. With 16 Top 40 hits from 1963 to 1968, Lopez achieved fame as both a chart-topping musician and a screen presence. But his connection to Palm Springs would define the latter years of his life.

The Home that Defined His Later Years

Lopez's midcentury modern home was at 1139 Abrigo Road in the coveted Vista Las Palmas neighborhood, which became his desert sanctuary. Designed by the renowned architect William Krisel and built by Alexander Construction, the four-bedroom, five-bathroom house perfectly embodies the era's sleek, stylish design. Trini bought the home in the mid-1960s, but it wasn't until 1981 that he made Palm Springs his full-time residence. His house became the backdrop to many of his most cherished memories, and even after he died in 2020, it remained a symbol of his life in the desert. The house was eventually sold, but its legacy endures.

Lopez had famous neighbors, too. Down the street from his home were Peter Lawford and Kim Novak, while Rock Hudson, who shared the home with his partner George Nader just three houses away. Other well-known figures such as George Hamilton and his wife Alana were frequent residents of the area, and it was here that George introduced his wife to Rod Stewart — a moment that famously marked the end of their marriage.

Trini Lopez home in Palm Springs

A History of Philanthropy and Charity Work

Long before making Palm Springs his home, Trini was a regular visitor to the city, supporting local causes and rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty. In March of 1965, he performed at a star-studded gala for the Palm Springs Police Association at the Chi Chi Room, joining icons like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Dean Martin, and Red Skelton. Three years later, in 1968, he participated in the Eisenhower Heart Fund Golf Tournament alongside a who's who of stars, including Danny Thomas, Randolph Scott, Robert Wagner, and Chuck Connors.

The 1970s saw Lopez continuing his philanthropic efforts in Palm Springs, participating in charity events like Chuck Connors' Canyon Country Club golf tournament, which supported Angel View. Other celebrities like Andy Williams, Fred MacMurray, and Robert Stack lent their names to the cause, helping raise funds for local charities.

In 1973, he was back for the Bob Hope Classic Ball at the Riviera Hotel. Phyllis Diller, Barbara Edan, and a host of others joined Trini.

By 1978, Trini was a regular at Mel Habor's Ingleside Inn and Melvyn's Restaurant, where he dined with a host of notable figures, including Charles Claw, reputed to be the wealthiest man in England at the time, and Irv Levin, the owner of the Boston Celtics. But it wasn't just the glittering guest lists that drew Lopez to Palm Springs; it was also the opportunity to unwind and enjoy life at a slower pace.

Retirement and Continued Performances

In 1981, Trini retired from the fast-paced world of show business and made Palm Springs his permanent home. He settled into the quieter rhythm of life in the desert, where he enjoyed tennis, hosted friends, and performed for local charities. One of the highlights of his second act was the Palm Springs Desert Charities Show in 1982, where he shared the stage with the Lennon Sisters and a full orchestra, performing for a crowd that included figures like President Gerald Ford, Kirk Douglas, and costume designer Helen Rose. The event raised money for important causes such as Angel View, the Braille Institute, and the American Cancer Society.

In the early 1980s, as the AIDS crisis began to take its toll on the world, Trini became an advocate for the cause, performing at an AIDS benefit in 1983 when the topic was still taboo in many circles. He continued his charitable work by partnering with fellow Palm Springs fixture Sonny Bono for the Sonny Bolo Celebrity Tennis Classic, a fundraiser for the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which was set to debut in the spring of 1988. At the time, Bono was the chairman of the tourism committee for the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and preparing for a run for mayor — a position he would go on to win.

Trini Lopez's life in Palm Springs was one of glamour, generosity, and connection. Trini's legacy in the desert is lasting from his unforgettable performances to his philanthropic efforts.

Trini Lopez at home in Palm Springs in his living room with images on the wall.

A Modest Beginning

He was born on May 15, 1937, in a Dallas, Texas, neighborhood called Little Mexican to immigrant parents. One pivotal moment in his life occurred when his father bought him a $12 guitar despite the family's limited resources. The gesture was transformative, as Lopez loved music, particularly the Mexican folk songs his father taught him. He started performing with his band, The Big Beats, when he was 15.

A Career Begins: Meeting Buddy Holly and the Crickets

A key moment in Lopez's early career came when a local radio DJ introduced him to rock 'n' roll legend Buddy Holly. Lopez and Holly quickly became friends. Holly introduced him to a music producer who signed Lopez and his band to Columbia Records. Tragically, Holly, along with Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper, perished in a plane crash in 1959.

Lopez found success performing at venues in Beverly Hills, where he was discovered by the influential Hollywood crowd, eventually landing a gig at the exclusive PJ's nightclub. Here, he caught Frank Sinatra's attention, offering Lopez an eight-year contract with his Reprise label.

A Breakthrough: 'If I Had a Hammer' and Global Fame

In 1963, Lopez released his breakthrough album, Trini Lopez at PJ's. The album, recorded live during his shows, showcased his unique Latin-flavored twist on folk songs, including "If I Had a Hammer," which became an international sensation. It was released as a single and sold over 4 million copies. The album itself sold over a million copies.

His other big hits were "Lemon Tree" and "I'm Comin' Home, Cindy," both of which made it to #2 on the Easy Listening chart, and "Michael," "Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now" and "The Bramble Bush," which made it to $7, #6 and #4, respectively.

Trini Lopez holding a hammer for his song I Had A Hammer

Documentary and Legacy

Lopez's remarkable journey is chronicled in the 2020 documentary My Name is Lopez, produced by Joan Gand, Gary Gand, and Alison Martino. The film highlights his contributions to Latin music and his defiance of the industry's expectations, particularly his decision to keep his surname rather than anglicize it. The documentary also showcases his influence on Latin rock and roll and how his success paved the way for future Latin artists in the U.S.

Lopez recorded over 40 albums throughout his career, and his legacy inspires artists today.

Exhibit and Tribute at the Palm Springs Historical Society

To honor his extraordinary life and career, a new exhibit dedicated to Trini Lopez is at the Palm Springs Historical Society. The exhibit showcases Lopez's guitars, costumes, gold records, and other memorabilia. Curated by Gary and Joan Gand, who Trini played with in his later years, it is a free exhibit open to the public, with a screening of My Name is Lopez running on a loop.

Trini passed away in Palm Springs on August 11, 2020, from COVID-19.

Palm Springs Historical Society

221 S. Palm Canyon Drive

Exterior of Trini Lopez Exhibit in Palm Springs