Sammy Hagar (The Red Rocker)

There is a new board game that's just out with lots of music trivia. There is a question about tequila and cantinas and the answer is obviously Sammy Hagar. Duh. The better question is name a singer who has gold records as a member of three different bands and as a solo artist? Same answer, Sammy Hagar. Now name another voice who can equal that. Sorry, there is only one. Sam's in a league of his own. Surprised? OK, but now let's throw in all the multi Platinum soundtracks and a whole list of other records that haven't gone Gold, but are still loaded with great songs. Sure we all know about the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame induction, but now they need to find a special place in there for this guy. Hello Cleveland?
From the Montrose albums that are an essential part of the foundation of what became heavy metal, through a solo career that produced I Can't Drive 55, an icon of car culture in American music, Sammy Hagar is a force. Undeniably his Van Halen years are the summit of hard rock's transition into the mainstream. Now with a new group, Chickenfoot, Sam has reestablished his roots in a blues based rock band one more time.

Perhaps tequila and cantina are not the best answer to a trivia question, but they are really great answers to how to turn your passion for great food and drink into businesses that you totally love. Sammy has done that. The continued success of the Cabo Wabo Cantinas in Cabo San Lucas and Lake Tahoe has led to the latest Cabo Wabo Cantina in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sammy and the Wabos will be there to celebrate the opening of the new Cantina in early December. But that will be Sam's second Vegas watering hole, the first is Sammy's Beach Bar and Grill in the McCarren International Airport. This is the start of a chain of restaurants, in partnership with Host International, that will bring a welcome dining experience to airports across America. Sam's profits fund local children's charities in these cities and continues a relationship with his fans of giving to those in need.

So with a new band, new restaurants opening, and a premium tequila that continues to grow in popularity, Sammy has a lot on his plate. No problem. He has the energy to power a small town and continues to expand the envelope of possibility. What's next? A new brand? A new song? Whatever it is will probably be a part of our lives as he has been a part of us for decades now.