The Latin-infused Rocker

"Supernatural" revitalized his career

The Legendary Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana, a name synonymous with Latin-infused rock music, is a legendary figure whose influence spans several decades. Born on July 20, 1947, in Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico, Santana's early exposure to music came through his father, a mariachi violinist. From a young age, Santana was drawn to the guitar, and his family moved to Tijuana, where he began to hone his craft by playing in local bands.

In the early 1960s, the Santana family relocated to San Francisco, California, a move that would prove pivotal in Carlos's musical journey. The vibrant and diverse music scene of San Francisco in the 1960s, characterized by the counterculture movement and the fusion of different musical styles, provided the perfect backdrop for Santana to develop his unique sound. He formed the Santana Blues Band in 1966, which was later shortened to simply "Santana."

Santana's big break came in 1969 when they performed at the iconic Woodstock Festival. Their electrifying performance, particularly the instrumental "Soul Sacrifice," captivated the audience and catapulted them to national fame. This performance led to a record deal with Columbia Records and the release of their self-titled debut album in 1969. The album, featuring hits like "Evil Ways," showcased Santana's signature blend of rock, blues, and Latin music, punctuated by his soulful guitar solos and the vibrant rhythms of congas and timbales.