Santana is a pioneering Latin rock band formed in San Francisco, California, in 1967, led by iconic guitarist Carlos Santana. Renowned for blending rock, Latin music, blues, and jazz, the band has achieved global acclaim for their unique sound and virtuosic performances. Santana first gained major recognition with their legendary performance of "Soul Sacrifice" at the Woodstock in 1969, which catapulted their debut album, Santana, to commercial success.
Over the decades, Santana has continued to evolve, blending genres and collaborating with diverse artists while maintaining their Latin rock roots. The band has sold over 90 million records globally, making them one of the world’s best-selling groups of all time.
Band Biography[]
Founded in the late 1960s, Santana emerged as a distinctive force in the San Francisco music scene. Their early albums, including Santana (1969), Abraxas (1970), and Santana III (1971), became defining works of Latin rock. The band’s mix of rock guitar, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and jazz-inspired improvisation set them apart from their contemporaries.
Throughout the years, Santana has undergone numerous lineup changes while continuing to innovate musically. Carlos Santana’s spiritual journey and collaboration with guru Sri Chinmoy during the 1970s influenced the band’s esoteric and experimental direction during that era.
In 1999, the release of Supernatural marked a career resurgence for the band, earning them eight Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and three Latin Grammy Awards. The album featured collaborations with artists like Rob Thomas, Everlast, and Michelle Branch and produced hits such as "Smooth" and "Maria Maria."
Band Members[]
Current Members[]
- Carlos Santana: Guitar, vocals
- Rotating members based on tours and sessions
Classic Lineup[]
- Carlos Santana: Guitar, vocals
- Jose Chepito Areas: Percussion
- David Brown: Bass
- Gregg Rolie: Keyboards, vocals
- Mike Carabello: Percussion
- Michael Shrieve: Drums
Past Members[]
- Neal Schon: Guitar
- Buddy Miles: Drums
- Tom Coster: Keyboards
Discography[]
Studio Albums[]
- Santana (1969)
- Abraxas (1970)
- Santana III (1971)
- Caravanserai (1972)
- Supernatural (1999)
- Shaman (2002)
- Africa Speaks (2019)
Key Singles[]
- "Smooth" (1999)
- "Maria Maria" (1999)
- "Black Magic Woman" (1970)
- "Oye Como Va" (1970)
Awards and Recognition[]
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1998)
- Eight Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Supernatural
- Three Latin Grammy Awards (2000)
Music Videos[]
Santana’s visually captivating music videos have amplified their songs' global appeal. Notable examples include:
- "Smooth" featuring Rob Thomas: A Grammy-winning collaboration with infectious Latin rhythms.
- "Maria Maria": A chart-topping anthem showcasing Santana’s fusion of Latin and hip-hop influences.
- "Black Magic Woman": A classic video emphasizing the band’s early Latin rock style.
Legacy and Influence[]
Santana’s groundbreaking approach to Latin rock has influenced countless artists across genres. Their blend of cultures and styles continues to resonate with fans worldwide. As of 2013, the band’s classic lineup reunited for a new record, reflecting their enduring appeal and commitment to innovation.
External Links[]
- [Official Website](https://www.santana.com)
- [Santana on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/SantanaOfficial)