- Roland Bautista was an American singer and guitarist who was born on May 30, 1951, and died on February 29, 2012, aged 60
- He was introduced to music very early in life and became known with the group Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972
- Until his demise, Bautista worked with several other musicians and music groups like The Crusaders and The Jacksons
Popularly known for his days with the Jazz music band, Earth, Wind & Fire, Roland Bautista was an American singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist who lived for 60 years. Until the entertainer’s demise in 2012, he was widely known as a talented guitarist whose artistic prowess rubbed off on the works of several music bands and solo artists of the early 70s down to the 90s.
While Roland is known to have enjoyed a professional music career that spanned 40 years, other aspects of his life have escaped the public eye. To these concerns, here is all we know.
A Quick Look at Roland Bautista‘s Biography and Musical Career
To the family of Ignaciao J. Bautista and Elena Naranjo, Roland Bautista was born on May 30, 1951, and raised in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA. Details about his education and early childhood have been clouded by his successful music career which he started at a very young age.
According to reports, Roland was introduced to playing the guitar very early in life and he completely fell in love with the instrument. A combination of dedication, passion, and talent made him be so proficient in the stringed instrument even while he honed his singing and writing abilities.
Moving on, it became so easy for bands like Velvet Illusions to spot his amazing talents as a teenager; hence he played for the group until its disbandment in 1967.
He Made His Professional Career Debut in 1972
Following the disbandment of Velvet Illusions in 1967, Roland got another opportunity to play in 1972, this time around, at a more professional level with the Famous American multi-music-genre band, Earth, Wind, and Fire. His first major project with the group was on the album Last Days and Time (1972).
Although Roland’s career debut with the band placed him on the path of stardom, he left the group as soon as Last Days and Time was released to pursue a solo career. Consequently, he released two solo albums in 1977 and 1978. His first album was titled Bautista (1977) and the second, The Heat of the Wind (1978). Both albums were released by ABC Records.
After Roland’s stint at a solo career, he again returned back to Earth, Wind, and Fire in 1981 to replace the departed Al McKay who used to be the group’s guitarist. His return saw him working on projects like Raise!, Powerlight, and Electric Universe.
In 1983, Earth, Wind, and Fire suspended its activities as a band only to reassemble four years later. However, Roland did not return to the group but decided to explore other career paths which mostly saw him working with popular artists and music groups such as Ronnie Laws, George Duke, Randy Crawford, The Jacksons, and The Crusaders.
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A Breakdown of Roland Bautista’s Discography
Solo Albums
- Bautista – 1977
- The Heat of the Wind – 1978
Singles and Eps
- Make Your Own Music – 1977
- Destination – 1977
- Steal Your Love Away – 1978
Selected Works with Other Artists
- LP Pressure Sensitive with Ronnie Laws – 1975
- Come and Get Yourself Some with Leon Haywood – 1976
- LP Free as the Wind with The Crusaders – 1976
- Friends & Strangers with Ronnie Laws – 1977
- LP Don’t Let Go with George Duke – 1978
- Destiny with The Jacksons – 1978
- Color of Success with Morris Day – 1985
- Live in Japan with The Crusaders – 1993
Was He Ever Married?
While so much is known about the music career of Roland Bautista, there is no information regarding his relationship or marital life. More so, the entertainer was hardly spotted in the public with any woman suggestive of his wife or girlfriend. Furthermore, no one is currently being mentioned as Bautista’s child. This is probably because he either never got married or decided to keep his family life away from the public.
Roland Bautista Died of Natural Causes at the Age of 60
According to several sources, Roland Bautista died on February 29, 2012, from natural causes. He died at the age of 60 in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, USA. While the news of his departure came as a shock to most of his fans, so many people appreciated the fact that he poured out himself and his talents for his generation and beyond.
Fast Facts Worth Knowing About the Late Guitarist
- He Enjoyed Playing Golf and Mentoring Children
Aside from music, Roland was a sportsman. Though not professionally, the late musician used to play golf. Roland also used to take out time to teach vulnerable and disadvantaged children how to play the guitar. He is still remembered for this kind and commendable gesture.
- He Also Mentored Many Up-and-Coming Musicians
Roland Bautista helped a lot of upcoming musicians in his days, one of which is Welton Gite. More so, successful musicians like William DuVall and Brandon Williams have remarked that they were highly influenced by Roland and his style of music.
- His Earliest Songs are Still Popular Today
Nearly fifty years after his teen Band Velvet Illusions broke up, their songs were reissued on a song compilation in 2019. This was made by Pandora Radio and Psychedelicized Radio. It has also been featured in podcasts, on YouTube, Facebook, eBay, and in the record collections of loyal fans.
- Roland Bautista Was Worth $2 Million at Death
At the time of his death, the famous entertainer’s net worth was estimated at about $2 million. He made his fortune from his successful music career which dates back to 1972. Apart from music, the late singer may have clinched other endorsement and brand ambassadorial deals to add up to his wealth.
