The passing of a beloved cultural icon who touched the heart and soul of so many is never easy to accept. The death of our friend and colleague Dr. José Cuéllar, known to many as Dr. Loco, is no exception. He died at his home in the Mission District on January 21 from lung cancer. He was 84.
A distinguished anthropology professor and a creative musical genius, Cuéllar founded Dr. Loco’s Rockin’ Jalapeño Band. His music and lifelong commitment to challenging injustice will live on in our memories.
Born April 3, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas, José was known for his kind heart and unmistakable presence. He often greeted you with a big Cheshire-cat grin and a strong embrace. Sporting bushy eyebrows, a braided beard, and long hair worn in a tight plait, he loved political debate as much as he loved creating electrifying music.
As a professor, José taught at institutions across the country, including Stanford University and San Francisco State University, where he also served as director of the Cesar Chavez Public Policy Institute.
Four weeks before his passing, Grammy-nominated producer Greg Landau, who began working with Dr. Loco in the 1990s, organized a tribute concert honoring José’s musical legacy. The sold-out event at San Francisco’s Brava Theater featured three generations of Rockin’ Jalapeño Band musicians performing songs from Movimiento Music, ¡Puro Party!, and Barrio Ritmos & Blues. The evening was breathtaking and spiritually enriching. Audiences left knowing they had witnessed something truly special and historic.
But in the streets, José was better known for the vibrant fusion of Tex-Mex, rock, salsa and R&B that defined Dr. Loco’s Rockin’ Jalapeño Band.
While teaching at Stanford, José initially formed Dr. Loco’s Original Corrido Boogie Band, composed largely of students.
By 1990, the group evolved into Dr. Loco’s Rockin’ Jalapeño Band, which released four albums: Con Safos (1991), Movimiento Music (1992), ¡Puro Party! (1995), and Barrio Ritmos & Blues (1998). The band was also featured on the soundtrack of the 2002 film Alambrista.
The band regularly performed at benefits for the United Farm Workers, El Tecolote and numerous community causes.
On stage, José’s presence was electrifying. Whether playing the saxophone, flute or accordion, his intensity pulled audiences closer to the music and to the love he held for his culture. He was a true ambassador of our gente.
In our conversations, José often spoke about his love for the Mission and his steadfast support for American Indian rights and immigrant rights. He held deep convictions about confronting injustice and using his platform to uplift others.
He was also a strong supporter of El Tecolote and our mission to serve the information needs of our community. As OGs, we shared a mutual respect for our efforts to best serve our community. It was always a joy to be in his presence.
Since his passing, many public tributes have poured in from across the Bay Area and beyond.
Socorro Gamboa, an activist and longtime friend of Dr. Loco, wrote in a Facebook post: “Among his many gifts, José did more than play music; he channeled the heartbeat of nuestra cultura. As a maestro of both the stage and the university, he moved seamlessly between the soul of the anthropologist and the precision of the musicologist, weaving our stories of the Xicano experience into a profound, living tapestry… Though the horn is silent now, the brilliance of his wisdom and the warmth of his song remain etched in the spirit of the community he loved so deeply.”
José is survived by his partner, Anastacia Powers; his daughter, Ixchel Powers Cuéllar; his son, Benny Cuéllar; and his younger brothers, Hector and Tony Cuéllar.
According to the family, a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses will be launched soon. A celebration of José’s life is planned for early April.
Dr. José Cuéllar will be remembered as a vital academic and artistic voice in the Bay Area — someone who bridged rigorous scholarship and vibrant cultural expression, helping shape a deeper sense of identity and resistance in our community.
Dr. José Cuéllar, aka Dr. Loco, ¡PRESENTE!