….learned to play the violin before ever picking up a guitar? Santana’s father was a professional violinist, and young Carlos began playing when he was just 5 years old. His father was also a mariachi musician and began teaching his son to play the guitar at age 8. Jorge Santana, Carlos’ younger brother, was also a professional guitarist. Love of music runs in the Santana family.
… was accepted to several universities including Humboldt State and California State University at Northridge? Ultimately, he opted to decline his acceptances so that he could pursue his music career – for which his millions of fans are eternally grateful! However, Carlos is a huge reader and, on his official website you can view a list of books that are “On Carlos’ Bookshelf.” These are books that he has read and recommends to his fans along with some of the music that he’s currently listening to as well.
…was influenced by famous artists of the 1950’s such as B.B.King, T-Bone Walker, Javier Batiza, and John Lee Hooker?. But his idol was Ritchie Valens, a rock and roll pioneer and forefather of the Chicano rock movement whose hits include “La Bamba” and “Donna”.
…had a big year in 1998 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
…owns a restaurant chain “Maria, Maria”, named after one of the songs on his blockbuster album, Supernatural, which earned him 8 Grammy awards? The chain, which opened in 2008, has locations in San Francisco, Texas, and Arizona, and serves upscale Mexican food.
… worked as a dishwasher at a restaurant in San Francisco – Tic Tock Drive-In No.2 – as he was trying to get his music career off the ground, busking on the city’s streets? His big break came in 1966 when Bill Graham, one of the most influential concert promoters in history, selected Santana to play in an ad hoc band to fill a spot at a Sunday matinee show at the famous Fillmore Auditorium. The rest is history!
… is married to Cindy Blackman, his touring drummer? Santana proposed to Blackman during a concert in Chicago after she finished a drum solo, and they were married in Hawaii in 2010. The two performed the National Anthem together before Game 2 of the 2015 NBA Finals.
… launched a line of shoes for J.C. Penney in 2000 that were inspired by his music? The proceeds went to charities for children.
… at age 75, continues to be a major force in the world of rock, a man who is as passionate about making music as he is about his dedication to social activism and global humanitarian outreach? He is currently headlining a multi-year residency at the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and in February announced his 1001 Rainbows Tour for the summer.