Richard Segovia’s historic Mission District home preserves musical traditions while inspiring new generations
by the El Reportero staff
For more than six decades, Richard Segovia has dedicated his life to preserving Latin rock, a musical movement born in San Francisco’s Mission District that combines rock, blues and Afro-Cuban rhythms.
Today, the 73-year-old timbales player and leader of Puro Bandido celebrates another achievement: his colorful home, Casa Bandido, has officially become a San Francisco historic landmark.
Located at 2880 25th Street, near York Street, the house received landmark designation in July 2026, protecting its distinctive exterior and spectacular mural honoring generations of Latin rock musicians.
“Latin rock music is something that the Mission District can call our own,” Segovia told CBS News Bay Area.
Born in San Francisco in 1953, Segovia grew up surrounded by the emerging sounds of Santana, Malo and Azteca. He began playing timbales as a young musician, developing his trademark percussion style.
His career included performances with Mbuhai, a group associated with celebrated entertainers including Stevie Wonder, Minnie Riperton and Isaac Hayes. Since 1979, he has led Puro Bandido, helping preserve the Latin rock tradition.
Recalling how music transformed neighborhood life, Segovia once declared: “We went from the battle of the barrios to the battle of the bands.”
His commitment extends beyond performing. Inside Casa Bandido, Segovia maintains rehearsal and recording facilities where young musicians receive guidance, encouragement and opportunities to develop their talents.
“My job is to get them to come here after school to keep them off the streets,” he explained.
His wife, Tammy Segovia, helps maintain the home’s welcoming atmosphere, supporting musicians who gather there to practice and collaborate.
The exterior mural, originally created in 2017 through Precita Eyes’ youth arts program, honors musicians who shaped the Mission District’s identity. Its continuing evolution includes work by Mission muralist Carlos “Kookie” González, who painted a portrait of Puerto Rican musician Carmelito Vélez in 2026.
Rebecca Rodriguez, leader of the all-female salsa group Agua Pura, described the home as “a museum that’s still so alive.”
A cancer survivor, Segovia has demonstrated remarkable resilience. His continuing dedication to music and neighborhood youth reflects the spirit that made Casa Bandido a cultural institution.
Beyond its historic designation, Casa Bandido remains a gathering place for musicians, community celebrations and the preservation of Latino heritage.
For Segovia, the greatest legacy may be the generations of young musicians who will carry Latin rock into the
