Platinum-selling songwriters Lisa Simmons-Santa Cruz and Francisco Carroll Santa Cruz found themselves displaced last March, writing songs for Snoop Dogg’s upcoming 2025 gospel album, “Altar Call,” from a hotel room. The couple had recently lost their Altadena home in the Eaton fire.
A Creative Lifeline Amidst Loss
Simmons-Santa Cruz and Carroll Santa Cruz, who have collaborated with artists like Kelly Rowland and on shows like “Desperate Housewives” for over 29 years, were introduced to Snoop Dogg through artists Charlie Bereal and Point 5ve during the final week of their hotel stay. Despite Snoop Dogg having established a donation center for fire victims, the couple chose to keep their personal hardship private. “We needed something the fire couldn’t burn and that was our music,” Simmons-Santa Cruz explained. “Our work became our peace and our escape.”
Despite the loss of their home studio, the couple successfully completed the album, a process Simmons-Santa Cruz described as “divine intervention in the midst of tragedy.” The work provided a crucial outlet for healing and a return to normalcy.
The Wider Impact of the Fires
The Eaton fire’s impact extended beyond Simmons-Santa Cruz and Carroll Santa Cruz. MusiCares, described by Simmons-Santa Cruz as “the FEMA of the music industry,” stepped in to assist numerous music professionals. Darryl “JMD” Moore, a music producer and drummer, lost his home and irreplaceable instruments, including a vintage 1965 Rogers Holiday drum kit. Moore faced the added challenge of continuing mortgage payments on a property that no longer existed.
Gwendolyn Sanford and Brandon Jay, another musical couple raising two children, also lost their home and recording studio. They prioritized their children’s emotional well-being amidst the upheaval, acknowledging the difficulty of frequent moves and the loss of their familiar surroundings.
MusiCares provided grants to help Sanford and Jay cover their mortgage, offering a critical lifeline during a period of immense stress. The organization also replaced a sentimental guitar for Simmons-Santa Cruz, a gift from her late father, offering a powerful symbol of hope.
Looking Ahead
As families continue to navigate the aftermath of the fires, rebuilding efforts are proving complex. Insurance payouts may not cover the full cost of reconstruction, leaving many in a financial scramble. It is likely that the emotional toll of displacement will continue to be felt for some time, requiring ongoing support for individuals and families. The music community, through organizations like MusiCares, will likely continue to play a vital role in providing assistance and fostering resilience. Sanford’s recent performance at a neighbor’s groundbreaking ceremony, and her daughter’s eventual feeling of safety returning to the neighborhood, suggests a path toward healing and rebuilding, one small step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did MusiCares play in assisting musicians affected by the fires?
MusiCares provided direct financial assistance for basic living expenses, medical needs, and equipment replacement, as well as grants to help with mortgages and rent, reaching over 3,200 music professionals and directing more than $15 million toward relief efforts.
Why did Lisa Simmons-Santa Cruz and Francisco Carroll Santa Cruz choose not to disclose their displacement to Snoop Dogg or others in the music industry?
The couple stated they “needed something separate from the fire” and that their work became their “peace and escape,” finding it too traumatic to revisit their loss while collaborating on the album.
What challenges did Darryl “JMD” Moore face after losing his home?
Moore faced the challenge of continuing to pay his mortgage on a home that was destroyed, as well as the loss of his recording studio and valuable instruments, including a vintage drum kit.
How do you think communities can best support artists and musicians facing similar hardships?