5 Reasons Why Carlos Santana Is A Guitar Legend
Carlos Santana isn’t just one of rock’s guitar greats; he’s also a savvy businessman and a philanthropist who truly cares about helping kids and young people. Here’s why Santana deserves his legendary status in the music world.
Hit Songs That Defined a Generation
After moving to San Francisco with his family, Santana formed the Santana Blues Band. His big break came in the late 1960s with chart-topping hits like “Black Magic Woman” and “Evil Ways.” These songs made waves and kept the band on Billboard’s charts for two years making Santana a remarkable guitar icon.
A Record-Breaking Career
With over 20 albums under his belt, including the latest, Africa Speaks (2019), Santana has truly made his mark. Throughout his nearly 50-year career, he has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.
A Trophy Case Full of Honors
Santana’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed; he’s won 10 Grammy Awards and made history in 1999 as the first Hispanic artist to take home a Grammy for his album Supernatural. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and has also snagged three Billboard Awards. Plus, Rolling Stone magazine ranks him 15th on its list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”
Giving Back Through the Milagro Foundation
Beyond music, Santana is passionate about making a difference. He founded the Milagro Foundation in 1998, pouring over $5 million into programs that support art, education, and health services for children and young people. His project, Architects of a New Dawn, aims to change the world with music and positive vibes.
Sharing His Journey in The Universal Tone
In November 2014, Santana opened up about his life in his autobiography, The Universal Tone: Bringing My Story to Light. In it, he shares personal stories from his journey, including his experience with hallucinogens during his unforgettable performance at the legendary Woodstock festival in 1969.
