Benny - Hernandez

Fans mourn the loss of legendary guitarist Benny Hernandez, who passed away a few weeks before his 82nd birthday. Born August 31 in Gallup, New Mexico, he was the son of Ben and Mary Hernandez. He lived with his Aunt Lorraine in Pecos, New Mexico until he was about 5 years old, before moving to Mojave Heights with his family in California. Benny got his first car when he was 15 years old, and his first job was at the Apple Valley Inn as a dishwasher. Benny graduated in 1964 with honors from Victor Valley High School before serving in the US Army, where he received a Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and went to work for George Air Force Base until it closed in 1992. Following Army service, he worked for the Hesperia High School District, retiring in 2007.

Benny married Yvonne, a talented lifestyle and humanist photographer, professional cake baker, and mother to many. They were married for 50 years. Benny was an artist at heart, with a dark sense of humor. He loved to draw caricatures of the people around him and took pride as an Elvis impersonator, but his true connection to the world was music. Benny was 9 years old when he got his first guitar and taught himself to play, heavily influenced by favorite musicians such as The Ventures, John Lee Hooker, The Beatles, Carlos Santana, Van Halen, Brian Setzer, Elvis Presley, and many more.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Benny performed in many bands, including "The Statics" while in the Army stationed in Germany. Upon returning to California, he performed in the "Battle of the Bands" at the Victorville Fairgrounds. In the 1970s, he was a member of "Los Vagos," alongside Cleo Vargas, Ruben Ramos on saxophone, Ronnie Corona on drums, and Spivey White on bass guitar. He also played in well-known bands such as “Los Santanicos”, “All Sold Out”, “The Latin Express", “Benny and the Surf Rats”, and undoubtedly many others whose names have been lost to time.

Benny shared this love of music with his family, and together they were in the band “The Hernandez Brothers” with Benny on lead guitar, brother Ernie on rhythm guitar, brother Mike on drums, and Mike’s wife, Penny, on tambourine. Benny was also a member of "Inca" with brother Mike, Ronnie Corona, Paul Vargas, Ray Savedra, and Ray Cordero.

Benny was a colorful character who always made an impression, and no doubt his musical spirit will remain a lasting part of his legacy, but the only thing he loved more than music was his family. He was very proud of his family. May the happy memories bring comfort to those who loved him.

Benny was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ernie (Carol). He is survived by his beautiful and loyal wife Yvonne; children Monica (Will), Felina (Manuel) and Tony (Teresa); grandchildren Clorinda (Kevin) and Isaiah; great grandchildren Emilio and Mateo; brothers Orlando (Rosemary) and Mike (Penny); sisters Evelyn (Aniceto), Christine (George) and Priscilla; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service with military honors followed by the celebration of life will be held at Sunset Hills Mortuary & Memorial Park on Friday, September 25 at 1pm.