Biography on Carlos Santana - Carlos Santana is a multiple award winning musician and well renowned guitarist. Carlos was born in Mexico but masters his trade in the United States. Santana first gained recognition in the late 60’s and early 70’s with his band, the Santana Blues Band. They were well loved for their fusion of jazz, blues, salsa and rock.

Carlos started playing the violin at a very early age and even performed in his father’s mariachi band. After moving to Tijuana later on Santana started showing interest in the guitar as well as rock and roll, blues and black American rhythm. Santana moved to San Francisco after many sessions of persuasion from his parents and family at the age of thirteen.

In the end of 1966 Tom Frazier and Santana started the Santana Blues band along with Mike Carabello, Rod Harper, Gus Rodriguez and Greg Rollie. Although the band carried Carlos’s name, no one saw him as the leader of the band. In 1970 the band gained the services of Stan Marcum as the band’s manager.

Santana landed a record contract with Columbia Records to record their first album. Santana was not happy with the end product and they axed Livingston who was later replaced by Michael Shrieve with a strong jazz and rock background. Marcus Malone left the band citing personal reasons and Santana had to re-enlist the services of  Michael Carabello who brought along José Chepito. He turned out to be one of the major contributors to the band.

Bill Graham landed Santana a gig in the Woodstock music festival. They appeared live on stage before the release of their first album. Santana played one of his now legendary 10 minute guitar solos and was huge hit with the Woodstock crowd. Santana’s first album reached number 9 on the Billboard hot 100.

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