A Musical Tribute to Ray "Gumbi" Salazar

14th May 2020

It is with sincere sadness that we acknowledge that passing of one of our own, Ray “Gumbi” Salazar, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and beloved member of our Board of Directors. Gumbi recently lost his battle with COVID-19. We share in the Salazar family’s grief and Arizona’s loss of a fine man and leader with such heart and soul. Gumbi's positive outlook and many deeds will live on as an example for many generations to come. 

A man of many talents, Gumbi was a musician, a longtime corrections officer, a community leader, a civil rights pioneer, and a man who always believed in second chances. As an early leader of CPLC, he was an esteemed member of our Board Veteranos, whose guiding wisdom ensures that CPLC remains true to our mission. 

For more than six decades, Gumbi moved Arizonans with his music as an accomplished vocalist and percussionist with bands including Powerdrive, Latin Salsa & Company, Breaking Point, the Royal Lancers, and the Latin Blues Society. For this reason, CPLC and local artists have decided to honor his legacy through music. Please join us on the CPLC Facebook page this Saturday, May 16th, at 7pm (Arizona time). A direct link to the video will be sent soon. 

Please keep in your prayers the Salazar family and all families who have suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic. May your loved ones stay well and may we all find the collective strength to recover from this virus.