Manuel Robert Gonzales, a Musician from East Los Angeles, died unexpectedly on August 5, 2016 at the age of 63 while visiting family.
Manuel was a devoted family man and lover of music, he was a lover not a fighter. A kind soul and gentle heart combined with his enjoyment of his fine ear for noticing any musical tune, a perfectionist at times.
He enjoyed rocking out, as a founding member of The Blazers then branching off on his own with The Big Manny Band and being part of the East Side Soul movement. A combination of roots, blues, rock and roll with his East LA twist.
He often played at home, blessed with his unique voice and musical natural talent inherited from his father.
Manny was well renowned by the musical community spanning from Europe to Texas, to his own local hometown of East Los.
There was many quotes to chose from but this one hit home.
“He was a sweet, nice, love-able, generous, Rock & Roller, awesome song writer with a whole lot of SOUL!”
He will live on through his recordings and our memories.
He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
Manny’s final gig will be played in Heaven, this time he will be playing for all his past heroes Live…
A funeral service is being arranged at this time. Your donation would be used to make sure Manny’s arrangements could be as he would say:
To go out with a BANG!
Donate Here….Go Fund Me Page
Services for our brother Manuel R. Gonzales (Big Manny)
Friday August 12, 2016 Viewing at 12:00pm -2:00pm Burial Services at 2:00pm – 3:00pm
HOME OF PEACE MEMORIAL PARK MORTUARY
4334 Whittier Blvd. East Los Angeles. CA 90023
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course”, I have kept the faith; 2 Timothy 4:7
I discovered https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoyZICjEu_Y the day he died. Man could Big Manny play.! Thank you for remembering him and posting an obituary. Live on, Manuel.
Such a lost. May he rest in peace. His cover of The Vanguards’ “Somebody Please” is amazing. https://youtu.be/orAppYVBcs4
Rest my Brother rest, play on Heaven is Rocking miss you BRO.
Jah..Bless u Manuel,
Gracias Por Tu Musica 4
The Joy u shared with all of us.
So glad our paths crossed @
6th N LaBrea, n many other venues…
Our Love 4 Tu Familia, Joaquin CCTX.
Will always miss you! Your jokes in between songs. Feel so lucky to have a Ton of live recordings😇😇
I was fortunate to see Manny play wonderful music when The Blazers visited the Zoo Bar in Lincoln, NE. Such a talented musician with a sense of humor. Vaya con Dios.