It’s been more than 50 years since Santana introduced the crowd at Woodstock to their unique fusion of Afro-Latin-Blues-Rock music. And yet more than five decades later the signature sound of legendary guitarist, Carlos Santana, continues to thrill listeners around the world.
Since the band’s debut album Santana was released, Carlos Santana has gone on to sell 100 million records and play to more than 100 million fans at concerts worldwide. He has been the recipient of countless honors and awards, including 10 Grammys and 3 Latin Grammys. Rolling Stone has named him #15 on their list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”.
The legacy of Carlos Santana is not limited to his musical greatness. Throughout the years, his influence has expanded to include his devotion to activism and humanitarian causes. He has been an influential force in the lives of countless people around the world through his various foundations and charities, including the Milagro Foundation, Little Kids Rock, and the Amandla AIDS Fund.
The ever-evolving sound of Carlos Santana as well as the message of love, hope, and unity that he spreads through his music and his dedication to social activism have been an inspiration to many artists around the world since his epic breakout performance at Woodstock in 1969.
In 1987, Oakland native Michael Rios created the mural “Inspire to Aspire”, located on South Van Ness and 22nd Street in San Francisco, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Santana. The piece launched a friendship and collaboration between Santana and Rios that has included artwork for album covers, guitars, custom clothing designs, and concert backdrops.
German artist Gisela Hammer describes how listening to the vibrating guitar sound of Santana at one of his live performances inspired her to include a painting of the guitarist in her series entitled “Famous Musicians Live on Stage”. Of Santana’s performance, Hammer remarked, “To experience him live in the open air, an unforgettable impression… a great feast for the senses!”.
Artist Donna Wayman was moved to paint Carlos Santana because “Carlos is a humanitarian who uses his music to promote peace and love. I was very inspired by his positive energy.”
In 1998, when Santana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, website notes said of the legendary musician, “Guitarist Carlos Santana is one of rock’s true virtuosos and guiding lights.”
Many artists from around the world have been inspired, not only by the intensity and passion that Santana exudes when performing live, but by his kindness and selflessness which transcend cultural, spiritual, and geographical barriers in an effort to connect people through positivity and love.