Santa Monica resident, beloved jazz musician and father of Vice Mayor Lana Negrete, Paul "Chico" Fernandez, passed away on May 23, 2024 at Berkley East Healthcare Center, aged 83.
Fernandez, along with his brother Victor, founded the Santa Monica Music Center over 50 years ago and together they built a thriving business that became a hub for musicians and music lovers alike. His passion for music was evident in everything he did, from teaching music to playing rhythm and blues and Latin jazz and live on stage on his famous copper drum set.
His talent on the drums was unmatched, and his performances captivated audiences on both big and small stages. He can be seen in the background of many movies like The Godfather, For The Boys, Naked Gun and many more, playing the drums in various scenes.
Born on July 26, 1940 in Toronto to Avice and Elmer, he first discovered Santa Monica in 1969 and made it his home just a year later. Fernandez was also a gifted photographer and the headshots and album covers that he himself took, together with a selection of stills capturing moments in time around the city of Santa Monica, adorn the walls of his office.
Episodes of his YouTube show Jammin and Cookin with Chico, along with some recent songs that he wrote can still be found online. Moreover, he was a music therapist for veterans at the VA for many years and would give advice and guidance on playing the drums, always laughing, joking and sharing his infectious enthusiasm with everyone around him.
In addition to his own talents, Fernandez was a dedicated educator who believed in the power of music to inspire and uplift. He touched the lives of countless students through his teachings at the Santa Monica Music Center and its sister store, the Culver City Music Center.
A regular visitor to many long-time local restaurants and watering holes, including Fromin’s and Earth Wind & Flour, both on Wilshire Blvd. and he will be fondly remembered propping up the bar at Guido’s, sharing all manner of amusing anecdotes from his "usual spot." However, after his favorite haunt Casa Escobar closed, Fernandez and his friends would instead hang out at Douglas Park to jam and share their passion for all things musical.
"His impact on the community extended beyond his music. He was a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to all who knew him. His warm smile and infectious laughter brightened the lives of those around him and his dedication to his craft was unwavering," Negrete said.
The only other thing that was as important to Fernandez as his music was his family. He leaves behind his wife, Elena and his children Paul Jr, Raymond, Rhonda and Lana, plus his stepdaughter Cecille and seven grandchildren.
"His music store is a true legacy in Santa Monica and his family, along with countless musicians, music students, friends and the entire community will always carry his memory in their hearts, reminding us of the joy and beauty he brought to our lives," said Negrete.
Services will be held at 10am on July 26 (his birthday) at St Monica’s Catholic Church at 725 California Ave with a celebration of life to follow at a location yet to be determined.
