Santana

Biography

Carlos Santana is a Mexican and American guitarist, born on July 20, 1947, in Autlán de Navarro, Mexico. His father, a mariachi violinist, taught him to play the violin at age five, but he switched to the guitar at age eight. The family later moved to Tijuana, where a young Carlos was influenced by the blues music of B.B. King and T-Bone Walker. In the early 1960s, the family relocated to San Francisco, and in 1965, Carlos became a naturalized American citizen.

Formation and Breakthrough

In 1966, he formed the Santana Blues Band, which later became known simply as Santana. The band's sound was a groundbreaking fusion of rock, Latin music, blues, and jazz. Their historic performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969 catapulted them to international fame. That same year, their self-titled debut album, "Santana," was released and became a major success, featuring the top 10 hit "Evil Ways".

Signature Sound and Early Success

The band's next two albums, "Abraxas" (1970) and "Santana III" (1971), both reached number one on the Billboard charts. "Abraxas" featured some of their most iconic songs, including "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va". Santana's distinctive guitar style, characterized by melodic, blues-based lines set against African and Latin rhythms, became their trademark.

Musical Evolution and Collaborations

Throughout the 1970s, Santana's lineup changed frequently, with Carlos Santana as the only consistent member. During this period, the band explored jazz fusion, influenced by artists like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. In the 1980s, Santana continued to release albums and tour, earning a Grammy Award for the 1987 solo album "Blues for Salvador". His interest in spirituality also grew, becoming a significant influence on his life and music.

"Supernatural" and Resurgence

After a period of lesser commercial success, Santana made a monumental comeback with the 1999 album "Supernatural". The album featured collaborations with numerous artists, including Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty on the hit single "Smooth". "Supernatural" earned a record-tying nine Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and sold over 30 million copies worldwide. This success was followed by other successful albums like "Shaman" (2002) and "Corazón" (2014).

Legacy and Recognition

Over his career, Santana has sold more than 100 million records globally. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Carlos Santana has received numerous accolades, including 10 Grammy Awards, three Latin Grammy Awards, and a Kennedy Center Honor in 2013. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.