Los Angeles-based session drummer Carlos Vega played with many artists including Aaron Neville, Al Jarreau, Barbra Streisand, Bonnie Raitt, Cher,

George Benson, James Taylor, Julio Iglesias, Madonna, Neil Diamond and

Steve Lukather.



Carlos Vega, 41, died at home of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound on April 7, 1998, on the eve of a scheduled appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.



Vega, who had just returned from a European tour with James Taylor, was set to go on the road with the artist again for the U.S. leg of his tour.



Drummer Steve Jordan, a friend of Vega's since the '80s, stated: "Carlos Vega "fulfilled to the utmost the function of the drummer being the captain of the ship. Where [late Toto and session drummer] Jeff Porcaro left off, Carlos picked up."



A memorial service for Vega was held April 14 at the Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary in Whittier, Calif. Following the service, friends and family gathered for a tribute at the Baked Potato in Studio City, Calif.



Vega is survived by his wife, Teri, and daughters Marissa and Alexis.