Santana

USA, 1966–now

San Francisco group led by guitarist Carlos Santana, formed in 1966. Their set at Woodstock in 1969 and the album Abraxas combined Latin percussion and rhythm with blues-rock guitar.

MusicRoots documents 5 artists who influenced Santana and 1 artist Santana influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Santana?

• John Coltrane — Coltrane's sheets-of-sound technique and spiritual intensity shaped Santana's extended soloing and his concept of music as meditation.
• Miles Davis — Miles Davis's modal approach and sonic minimalism guided Santana toward space and colour in his playing.
• B.B. King — B.B. King was the first guitarist Santana truly worshipped — tone, vibrato, expressiveness.
• Tito Puente — Tito Puente gave Santana the Latin rhythms that became the heartbeat distinguishing his group from any other rock band.
• Lightnin' Hopkins — Lightnin' Hopkins was the raw Texas blues foundation from which Santana developed as a guitarist.

Which artists did Santana influence?

• Prince — Prince named Santana his truer guitar model — 'if they really listened, they'd hear more of a Santana influence than Jimi Hendrix'.