Carlos Santana is a highly acclaimed Mexican-American guitarist and songwriter known for his distinctive fusion of rock, blues, jazz, and Latin American music. He was born on July 20, 1947, in Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico. Santana rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which became renowned for their high-energy live performances and pioneering blend of musical styles.

Carlos Santana's musical journey began at an early age. He learned to play the violin at the age of five and later picked up the guitar. Influenced by artists like B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, and John Lee Hooker, Santana developed his own distinctive guitar style characterized by soaring, melodic solos and a rich tone.

Santana's breakthrough came in 1969 when the band Santana performed at the Woodstock Festival, captivating the audience with their electrifying performance. Their self-titled debut album, "Santana," released the same year, became a massive hit and showcased their unique fusion of rock, Latin percussion, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. The album featured iconic tracks like "Evil Ways" and "Black Magic Woman," which introduced Santana's fiery guitar playing to a wide audience.

In the following years, Santana released several successful albums, including "Abraxas" (1970), "Santana III" (1971), and "Caravanserai" (1972), among others. These albums further showcased the band's diverse musical influences and Santana's ability to seamlessly blend rock, blues, jazz, and Latin sounds.

Carlos Santana's guitar playing is characterized by his soulful, expressive solos, the use of sustain and vibrato, and his incorporation of Latin-infused melodies and rhythms. His playing often combines elements of blues and rock with the rich tonalities of Latin music, creating a unique and instantly recognizable sound.

In addition to his work with the band Santana, Carlos Santana has collaborated with numerous artists across various genres. Notably, in 1999, he released the album "Supernatural," which became a commercial and critical triumph. The album featured collaborations with artists like Rob Thomas, Eric Clapton, Lauryn Hill, and Dave Matthews, among others. Santana's hit single "Smooth," featuring Rob Thomas, topped the charts and won multiple Grammy Awards.

Carlos Santana's contributions to music have earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. He has received multiple Grammy Awards, including being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. His influence on guitarists and his ability to bridge cultural divides through music have solidified his place as one of the most respected and influential guitarists in the history of rock and popular music.

• Carlos Santana - lead guitar, vocals, percussion
• Gregg Rolie - organ, lead vocals
• Michael Carabello - percussion
• José "Chepito" Areas - percussion
• David Brown - bass
• Michael Shrieve - drums

• "Santana" (1969)
• "Abraxas" (1970)
• "Santana III" (1971)
• "Caravanserai" (1972)
• "Welcome" (1973)
• "Borboletta" (1974)
• "Amigos" (1976)
• "Festivál" (1977)
• "Moonflower" (1977)
• "Inner Secrets" (1978)
• "Marathon" (1979)
• "Zebop!" (1981)
• "Shangó" (1982)
• "Beyond" Appearances (1985)
• "Freedom" (1987)
• "Spirits Dancing in the Flesh" (1990)
• "Milagro" (1992)
• "Supernatural" (1999)
• "Shaman" (2002)
• "All That I Am" (2005)
• "Guitar Heaven" (2010)
• "Shape Shifter" (2012)
• "Corazón" (2014)
• "Santana IV" (2016)
• "Africa Speaks" (2019)
• "Blessings and Miracles" (2021)

• Explore Santana music on Amazon.