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Guitar Heroes: 

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Carlos Santana is a renowned Mexican-American guitarist and songwriter, widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He was born on July 20, 1947, in Autlán de Navarro, Mexico, and raised in San Francisco, California.

Santana's music is a fusion of rock, blues, jazz, and Latin American rhythms. He first gained recognition with his band Santana, which formed in the late 1960s and released their debut album in 1969. The band's second album, "Abraxas," released in 1970, contained the hit single "Oye Como Va," which became a worldwide sensation and helped establish Santana as a major force in music.

Santana's guitar style is known for its unique blend of melodic and rhythmic elements. He often incorporates Latin American rhythms, such as salsa and samba, into his playing, and he has a distinctive tone that is instantly recognizable. His playing has been praised for its passion, soulfulness, and technical virtuosity.

In addition to his work with Santana, Carlos has collaborated with numerous other artists throughout his career, including John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, and Eric Clapton. He has won numerous awards and accolades for his music, including ten Grammy Awards, three Latin Grammy Awards, and a Billboard Century Award.

Beyond his music, Carlos Santana is known for his spiritual beliefs and his activism. He has been a vocal advocate for social justice and the rights of indigenous people, and he has established several charitable foundations to support these causes.

Santana genealogy and discography
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Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

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"Tapestry" is a critically acclaimed album by American singer-songwriter Carole King, released in 1971. It is considered to be one of the greatest albums of all time, and it has sold over 25 million copies worldwide.

The album features 12 tracks, most of which were written by King herself, either alone or in collaboration with other songwriters such as Gerry Goffin and Toni Stern. Some of the album's most iconic tracks include "I Feel the Earth Move," "It's Too Late," "You've Got a Friend," and "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," which was famously covered by Aretha Franklin.

"Tapestry" is known for its confessional and introspective lyrics, which were ahead of their time in the early 1970s. King's voice is soulful and expressive, and her piano playing is both intricate and powerful. The album was produced by Lou Adler, who helped to bring out the best in King's songs and performances.

"Tapestry" won four Grammy Awards in 1972, including Album of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Record of the Year for "It's Too Late," and Song of the Year for "You've Got a Friend." It continues to be regarded as a classic album and a landmark in the singer-songwriter genre.

Track by track (vinyl):

  1. I Feel the Earth Move:
    • This track sets the tone for the album with its upbeat tempo and infectious energy. King's vocals are vibrant, and her piano playing is dynamic. The song captures the heady feeling of newfound love and infatuation.
  2. So Far Away:
    • A poignant ballad that reflects on the loneliness and separation from loved ones. King's vocals are emotive, and the stripped-down arrangement allows the sincerity of the lyrics to shine through.
  3. It's Too Late:
    • Perhaps one of the most iconic tracks on the album, "It's Too Late" features a memorable piano riff and heartfelt lyrics. King's delivery is soulful, and the song perfectly captures the emotions of a relationship coming to an end.
  4. Home Again:
    • This song has a comforting and reflective quality. It's a beautiful exploration of finding solace and security, particularly in the face of life's uncertainties. The simplicity of the arrangement enhances the intimacy of the lyrics.
  5. Beautiful:
    • With its uplifting melody and positive lyrics, "Beautiful" is a celebration of self-love and acceptance. King's vocals are warm and reassuring, making it a standout track that resonates with listeners.
  6. Way Over Yonder:
    • This gospel-inspired track showcases King's ability to draw from various musical influences. The song's themes of hope and resilience are underscored by powerful vocals and a soulful arrangement.
  7. You've Got a Friend:
    • A classic in its own right, this song is a testament to friendship and support. The soulful rendition by King, coupled with James Taylor's backing vocals, creates a timeless piece that has resonated across generations.
  8. Where You Lead:
    • This upbeat and catchy song is a joyful exploration of love and commitment. The lyrics, written in collaboration with Toni Stern, convey a sense of devotion and partnership.
  9. Will You Love Me Tomorrow?:
    • Originally co-written by King and Gerry Goffin for The Shirelles, this rendition is more introspective. The slower tempo and King's emotional delivery add depth to the lyrics, exploring the uncertainty of love.
  10. Smackwater Jack:
    • This track adds a bluesy and jazzy element to the album. The storytelling is vivid, and King's piano skills shine. The song's narrative about a man named Smackwater Jack has a theatrical quality.
  11. Tapestry:
    • The title track is a metaphorical exploration of life's journey and the interconnectedness of experiences. King's lyrics, combined with a melodic piano arrangement, create a reflective and introspective mood.
  12. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman:
    • Originally co-written by King and Goffin, this song became a signature tune for Aretha Franklin. King's rendition on "Tapestry" is soulful and powerful, providing a fitting conclusion to the album.

"Tapestry" is a masterpiece that not only showcases Carole King's exceptional songwriting and musical talent but also captures the spirit of the early 1970s singer-songwriter movement. The album's enduring appeal lies in its honesty, relatability, and the timelessness of its themes. Each track contributes to the overall narrative of love, loss, and self-discovery, making it a landmark in the history of popular music.

"Tapestry" would become the best-selling pop album of all time until Peter Frampton's 1976 live album "Frampton Comes Alive!" eclipsed it. At 318 weeks on the US Billboard 200, it remained the longest-charting album by a solo female artist until Adele's "21" in 2017.

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Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

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"Humble Pie Performance: Rockin' the Fillmore" is a live album by the English rock band Humble Pie, released in 1971. The album was recorded during four shows at the Fillmore East in New York City in May 1971 and features the classic lineup of the band, consisting of Steve Marriott on vocals and guitar, Peter Frampton on vocals and guitar, Greg Ridley on bass, and Jerry Shirley on drums.

The album is considered a landmark in the history of live recordings and is widely regarded as one of the best live albums of all time. The band's energetic performance and the raw, powerful sound of their music have made it a favorite among rock fans for over four decades.

The album features mostly covers, including their hits "I Don't Need No Doctor" and "Four Day Creep," as well as other classics like Ray Charles' "Hallelujah I Love Her So". "Stone Cold Fever", from their album "Rock On", is the lone original on the album.

The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with Rolling Stone calling it "a masterpiece" and praising the band's ability to capture the energy and excitement of their live shows on record. It has since been recognized as one of the greatest live albums ever recorded and has influenced generations of rock musicians.

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Songs You Didn't Realize Were Covers: 

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The 1968 Big Brother and The Holding Company version sung by Janis Joplin is the one most are familiar with, but it was originally recorded by Erma Franklin in 1967. Erma was the elder sister of "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin.

Written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns, "Piece Of My Heart" had previously been offered to Van Morrison, who rejected the song, instead preferring to do his own original material.

Franklin's single was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, the winner to be revealed in Spring 1969 at the 11th Annual Grammy Awards. Ironically, the award went to Franklin's sister Aretha for the song "Chain of Fools".

Classic Rock History: Landmark Albums: 

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"Get Ready" is the second studio album by American rock band Rare Earth, released in 1969. The album is widely considered to be one of the band's best, featuring a blend of rock, soul, and funk elements that was ahead of its time.

The album includes the band's signature hit, a cover of the Temptations' "Get Ready," the radio edit of which became Rare Earth's first Top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Long-form jam tracks were popular at the time, sometimes taking up an entire side of an album. The "Get Ready" album version clocks in at 21m30s, with band members taking extended instrumental solos. The album also features several other notable tracks, including "Magic Key," "Tobacco Road," "In Bed," and a cover of Dave Mason's "Feelin' Alright".

"Get Ready" was produced by Tom Baird and Rare Earth, and was recorded at Motown's Hitsville U.S.A. studios in Detroit. The album's sound is characterized by the band's use of the Hammond B-3 organ, which adds a distinctive and soulful sound to the rock-based instrumentation.

"Get Ready" is a classic album that showcases Rare Earth's unique sound and style. It remains a favorite among fans of classic rock and soul music, and has been influential to many artists in the decades since its release.

Trivia: Smoky Robinson wrote the song "Get Ready" and produced the Temptations version in 1966. When the song only reached a disappointing No. 29 on the U.S. pop chart, Motown studio head Berry Gordy replaced Robinson as the Temptations' producer. Ironically, four years later, the Rare Earth version would go to No. 4.

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Classic Rock History: Tools Of The Trade: 

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The Valley Arts Super Strat guitar is a high-end electric guitar model that was originally produced by Valley Arts Guitar in the 1980s and 1990s. The company was founded by luthier Mike McGuire in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California.

The Valley Arts Super Strat has been used by many professional musicians over the years, including Steve Lukather, Larry Carlton, and Lee Ritenour, among others. Its versatility and high-quality components have made it a popular choice for players who require a high-performance instrument for a variety of musical styles.

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From The Vault: 

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The self-titled album "Arc Angels" was released in 1992 by the American rock band of the same name. The band featured guitarists and vocalists Charlie Sexton and Doyle Bramhall II. Bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton previously backed up Stevie Ray Vaughan as Double Trouble. The group formed while jamming at the Austin Rehearsal Complex (ARC) in Austin, TX.

"Arc Angels" was the band's only studio album, and it was well-received by critics and fans alike. The album features a mix of blues, rock, and soulful ballads, showcasing the band's exceptional musicianship and songwriting.

Some of the standout tracks on the album include "Living in a Dream," "Sent by Angels," "Sweet Nadine," and "See What Tomorrow Brings." The album's production was handled by Little Steven Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, who helped the band achieve a polished and cohesive sound.

Unfortunately, despite the critical acclaim, the band didn't achieve significant commercial success with the album, and they disbanded shortly after its release. However, the album has since gained a cult following and is still regarded as a classic of '90s rock.

In Spring 2023, a reformed Arc Angels has appeared as special guests at two Santana: Miraculous Supernatural Tour shows in Texas.

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In The News: 

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Ringo Starr's All Starr Band is a touring supergroup founded in 1989 by Ringo Starr, the former drummer of The Beatles. The band features a rotating lineup of well-known musicians who have achieved success as solo artists or members of other famous bands.

Over the years, the All Starr Band has included a variety of musicians, such as Joe Walsh, Todd Rundgren, Sheila E., John Entwistle, Dr. John, Billy Preston, Steve Lukather, Richard Page, and many more. Each musician typically performs their own hits as well as backing up Ringo Starr on his songs from The Beatles and his solo career.

The band has released several live albums, including "Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band Live at the Greek Theatre 2008," "Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band Live 2006," and "Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band Live in Montreux 1992." They have toured extensively around the world, playing at venues ranging from small clubs to large arenas.

The All Starr Band has been praised for their high-energy performances and the talented musicians that make up the group. The band has also been credited with helping to reignite interest in Ringo Starr's solo career and The Beatles' music among younger generations.

As of 2023 the band lineup includes the following members:

Ringo Starr – vocals, drums, piano (1989–present)
Colin Hay (Men At Work) – guitar, harmonica, vocals (2003, 2008, 2018–present)
Hamish Stuart (Average White Band) – bass, guitar, vocals (2006–2008, 2019–present)
Edgar Winter – keyboards, saxophone, percussion, vocals (2006–2011, 2022–present)
Gregg Bissonette – drums, percussion, trumpet, backing vocals (2008–present)
Steve Lukather (Toto) – guitars, bass, vocals (2012–present)
Warren Ham – saxophone, percussion, keyboards, harmonica, vocals (2014–present)

A Fall 2023 tour will begin on Sept. 17 in Ontario, California, and run through Oct. 13 in Thackerville, Oklahoma.

Classic Rock History: 

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The 1960s and 1970s were a golden era for classic rock music, and many of the live venues of that time have since become legendary. Here are a few examples:

Fillmore West and East - These two venues, located in San Francisco and New York City respectively, were owned by legendary concert promoter Bill Graham. The Fillmore West hosted acts such as The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis Joplin, while the Fillmore East featured performances by The Allman Brothers Band, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd.

Winterland, also in San Francisco, was originally an ice skating rink and music venue. It was converted for exclusive use as a music venue in 1971 by concert promoter Bill Graham and became a regular performance site for many rock artists. Many classic live albums were recorded at Winterland, most notably the majority of the performances on Peter Frampton's "Frampton Comes Alive!"

The Troubadour - This West Hollywood venue was known for its intimate setting and legendary performances by artists such as Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor.

The Whisky a Go Go - Located on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, this venue was one of the first to embrace rock music and became a hotspot for bands like The Doors, The Byrds, and The Who.

The Rainbow Room - This New York City club was a popular spot for rock musicians in the 1970s, with acts like Kiss, Aerosmith, and Queen all performing there.

The Roxy - Also located on the Sunset Strip, this venue was a popular spot for punk and new wave acts such as The Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads.

The Fillmore Auditorium - Located in Denver, Colorado, this venue hosted many of the same acts as the Fillmore West and East, including The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane.

Cobo Arena - This 12,000 seat Detroit venue hosted many rock acts including The Who, Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Alice Cooper, Jefferson Airplane, Thin Lizzy, and Queen. Bob Seger recorded all of "Live Bullet" and part of "Nine Tonight" at Cobo. Yes recorded two songs for their 1980 "Yesshows" album, and Kiss recorded most of "Alive!" there.

CBGB's - Located in New York City's East Village, was originally opened as a venue for country, bluegrass, and blues (hence the name CBGB), but it soon became a hub for punk and new wave bands. The Ramones, Talking Heads, Blondie, and Patti Smith were among the many iconic artists who got their start at CBGB's.

The Warehouse - This venue, an actual warehouse, was located in New Orleans' riverfront warehouse district, and which saw so many big names come through it over the years, some nicknamed it "Fillmore South". The Warehouse played an important role in the development of southern rock, hosting acts like ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band, who played there so often they were referred to as the "house band".

Red Rocks Amphitheatre - This 9500+ seat outdoor venue, 10 miles west of Denver, Colorado, was built into a rock structure in 1936, and formally dedicated in 1941. A variety of shows were performed over the years by musical and non-musical acts alike. The visual uniqueness of the setting has made it a popular venue for live recordings. A moratorium on rock acts was instituted after an incident at a 1971 Jethro Tull concert, where nearly 1000 non-ticket holders arrived at the already sold out show, resulting in police deploying tear gas on the unruly mob. A lawsuit five years later resulted in its lifting.

These venues played a significant role in the development and spread of classic rock music, and many of them still exist today as iconic live music venues.

Classic Rock History: 

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The Rock-Ola Jukebox is an iconic symbol of American popular culture and a key player in the history of the music industry. Many from the late 1950s onward might assume the name was chosen due to the popularity of rock music. Actually, the Rock-Ola Corporation was founded by David C. Rockola in 1927 and initially manufactured coin-operated scales and gambling machines. In 1935, the company entered the jukebox market and quickly became one of the leading manufacturers in the industry.

The first Rock-Ola jukebox, the Model A, was introduced in 1935 and featured a wooden cabinet and a rotating record mechanism that could hold up to 24 78-RPM records. The Model A was followed by a series of increasingly sophisticated models that incorporated new technologies such as magnetic pickups, stereo sound, and automatic record-changing mechanisms.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Rock-Ola jukeboxes became synonymous with the golden age of American popular music. The company's designs reflected the aesthetic of the era, with colorful neon lighting, chrome trim, and sleek lines. In addition to playing the latest hit songs, Rock-Ola jukeboxes also provided a social gathering point for teenagers and young adults, who would gather around the machines to dance and socialize.

In the 1960s, the popularity of jukeboxes began to wane as radio and television became the dominant forms of entertainment. However, Rock-Ola continued to innovate, introducing new models that could play both 45-RPM singles and 33-RPM albums, as well as offering custom designs for corporate clients and collectors.

Today, Rock-Ola remains one of the few companies still producing jukeboxes, with models that pay tribute to the classic designs of the past while incorporating modern technology such as digital music storage and Bluetooth connectivity. The enduring popularity of the Rock-Ola jukebox serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of both the music and the machine itself.

Jukebox trivia: On mechanical jukeboxes, when a customer made a song choice by pressing a combination of buttons, the mechanism would traverse a channel with moveable metal pins set in it, one for each side of a record. The metal pin for the chosen song would be extended so that when the record selection mechanism encountered it, it would stop there and move the record from its storage slot out onto the turntable, with the side for the chosen song facing up. It would also press the metal pin back to its original position. If, however, a second customer happened to choose the same song before the record containing it played, the selection mechanism would still go through the motion to extend the pin for that song, even though it was already extended. Customers were none the wiser, not realizing another customer had also paid to hear the same song, and the jukebox operator could count the duplicate selection as pure profit.