Early career Carlos Santana

– carlos santana

santana influenced popular artists of 1950s such b.b. king, t-bone walker, , john lee hooker. after began playing guitar, joined local bands along tijuana strip able begin adding own unique touch 50s rock n roll. introduced variety of new musical influences, including jazz , folk music, , witnessed growing hippie movement centered in san francisco in 1960s. after several years spent working dishwasher in diner , busking spare change, santana decided become full-time musician. in 1966 gained prominence due series of accidental events, happening on same day. santana frequent spectator @ bill graham s fillmore west. during sunday matinee show, paul butterfield slated perform there unable result of being intoxicated. graham assembled impromptu band of musicians knew through connections butterfield s band , grateful dead , jefferson airplane, had not yet chosen guitarists. santana s manager, stan marcum, suggested graham santana join impromptu band , graham agreed. during jam session, santana s guitar playing , solo gained notice of both audience , graham. during same year, santana formed santana blues band, fellow street musicians david brown (bass guitar), marcus malone (percussion) , gregg rolie (lead vocals, hammond organ b3). later signed columbia band name, santana blues band shortened to, santana released series of hit albums afro-cuban , latin rock feel carlos exquisite guitar playing, characterized self-sustaining melody became trademark.

with highly original blend of latin-infused rock, jazz, blues, salsa , african rhythms, band (which adopted frontman s name, santana) gained immediate following on san francisco club circuit. band s success, capped off memorable performance @ woodstock in 1969, led him signing recording contract columbia records, run clive davis.