SAN DIEGO — Mexican rock 'n' roll pioneer Javier Bátiz believes divine intervention led him to start playing guitar in 1956 at the age of 12, shortly before he launched his groundbreaking Tijuana band, Los TJ's. Now, at 77-going-on-17, Bátiz cites the same greater force for his longevity.
"What keeps me going is the blessing of God, who gave me the talent and energy to keep on going, because nobody stops me from being what I am," said the veteran musician, who performs with his current band Sunday at Winstons in Ocean Beach.
Divine or not, Bátiz's impact over the decades has been formidable for many listeners in Mexico — and for the array of notable musicians he has mentored. The latter group includes Canned Heat drummer Fito de la Parra (who is scheduled to sit in for Sunday's show at Winstons), bass great Abraham Laboriel and a guitarist by the name of Carlos Santana.
