At 77, Carlos Santana Finally Reveals What We All Suspected | HO

For decades, Carlos Santana’s music has been a source of joy, hope, and unity for millions. His guitar riffs at Woodstock, his Grammy-winning album “Supernatural,” and his enduring presence on stage have made him a rock legend.

But behind the vibrant sound and global fame, Santana carried a private pain—one that shaped his life, his art, and his soul. Now, at 77, Santana is pulling back the curtain on the struggles, betrayals, and moments of darkness that nearly ended it all.

Early Life: Roots of Resilience

Carlos Santana was born in Mexico in 1947, the son of a mariachi violinist. Music was woven into his earliest memories, as his father taught him the basics of melody and rhythm. At age eight, the family moved to Tijuana, a decision that would mark a turning point in young Carlos’s life. In Tijuana, he encountered the vibrant sounds of blues and rock, falling in love with the genre after watching the TJs perform in a city park.

But life in Tijuana was far from idyllic. For two harrowing years, Santana endured abuse at the hands of an American man who exploited his vulnerability. The trauma left a deep scar, one that Santana would carry for decades. “I felt guilty for years,” he later admitted, speaking of the pain that haunted his adolescence.

At 15, Santana began playing guitar in Tijuana’s strip clubs. It was a rough environment for a teenager, filled with violence and desperation. Yet, these experiences helped him forge a unique musical style, blending Latin influences with blues and rock—a sound that would one day define his career.

Hard Times in San Francisco

In the early 1960s, Santana moved to San Francisco, chasing the American dream. He lived in the Mission District in cramped apartments with other musicians, often sleeping on the floor. Money was tight; he worked long hours as a dishwasher and survived on rice and beans. Unable to afford new guitar strings, Santana played with broken ones, refusing to let poverty silence his music.

Santana spent countless hours performing on the streets of San Francisco, playing for tips at Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. Some days, he earned less than five dollars. But the city’s diverse musical landscape exposed him to jazz, folk, and other genres, helping him refine his sound and catch the attention of passersby.

The Birth of Santana: Fate at Woodstock

Santana’s breakthrough came in 1966, when he formed the Santana Blues Band. The group’s lineup—Gregg Rolie on keyboards, David Brown on bass, Marcus Malone on percussion, and Tom Fraser—was assembled by chance, but their chemistry was undeniable. The band’s name, suggested by Michael Carabello, was simple yet memorable.

Their big break came at Woodstock in 1969, thanks to promoter Bill Graham. At the time, Santana was virtually unknown, their debut album not yet released. Graham insisted the organizers include Santana in the festival lineup, giving them a 45-minute slot between the Grateful Dead and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Santana’s Woodstock performance was legendary, but what fans didn’t know was that Carlos was in the midst of a powerful hallucinogenic trip, courtesy of Jerry Garcia. With his guitar neck “moving like a snake,” Santana played with his eyes closed, praying not to embarrass himself before the massive crowd. The performance catapulted Santana to stardom, and their debut album, released just weeks later, soared up the charts.

Fame, Family, and Betrayal

Santana’s rise was meteoric. His self-titled album remained on the Billboard 200 for 108 weeks, peaking at number four. The single “Evil Ways” became their breakout hit, reaching number nine on the charts. With his first royalty check, Santana kept a promise to his mother, buying her a house and ensuring her comfort.

In 1973, Santana married Deborah King, daughter of blues musician Saunders King. Their marriage was both a personal and professional partnership, with Deborah managing Santana’s career and finances. Together, they raised three children—Salvador, Stella, and Angelica—each of whom would find their own paths in music and the arts.

But the marriage was not without turmoil. In her 2005 memoir, Deborah revealed Santana’s infidelity, a betrayal that ultimately led to their divorce in 2007. Santana publicly admitted his mistakes, expressing deep regret and apologizing to his family. The pain of the breakup drove him to the brink, resulting in seven suicide attempts. “I believed death might be better than the suffering,” he confessed. Each time, a quiet inner voice—and the sight of a picture of Jesus—helped pull him back.

A Spiritual Journey and Forgiveness

Santana’s spiritual journey has been marked by both devotion and struggle. He once followed the teachings of Guru Sri Chinmoy, who gave him the name “Devadip”—meaning “the lamp, light, and eye of God.” But in 1982, Santana left the guru’s guidance, seeking a more personal path.

After his divorce, Santana found solace in Christianity, embracing faith as a way to heal. By 2015, he spoke openly about wanting to become a church minister after retiring from music, even planning to open a church in Maui, Hawaii. Through faith, he found the strength to forgive his childhood abuser, describing forgiveness as “freeing.”

Supernatural Comeback

Santana’s career reached new heights in 1999 with the release of “Supernatural.” At 52, he had not had a top 10 hit since 1971, but Clive Davis—who had signed Santana to Columbia Records three decades earlier—believed in his potential. The album was a gamble, but it paid off spectacularly.

“Supernatural” sold 30 million copies worldwide, earned nine Grammy Awards in one night (tying Michael Jackson’s record), and hit number one in 11 countries. The single “Smooth,” featuring Rob Thomas, became a cultural phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks and remaining in the top 10 for 30 weeks.

Santana’s success brought financial rewards as well. His net worth soared to an estimated $120 million, with real estate holdings in Las Vegas and Hawaii, and a chain of Mexican restaurants called Maria Maria. He also founded the Milagro Foundation in 1998, supporting children’s health and education around the world.

Controversy and Resilience

Even as Santana’s music continued to inspire, controversy followed him. In September 2023, he drew criticism for comments about gender identity during a concert in Atlantic City. His remarks—suggesting that gender is determined before birth—sparked backlash from fans and advocacy groups. Santana apologized on Facebook, but later deleted the apology and posted a cryptic poem about consciousness and love.

The controversy was heightened by Santana’s public support for comedian Dave Chappelle, who had faced criticism for his own comments about transgender people. Santana’s remarks came at a time when anti-LGBTQ legislation was making headlines, and his influence in the Bay Area made the backlash especially intense.

Family, Legacy, and Giving Back

Despite setbacks, Santana’s musical journey has become a family affair. His wife, Cindy Blackman Santana, has been the band’s drummer since 2015, dazzling audiences with her talent. His son Salvador, now 41, plays keyboards, percussion, and vocals, adding rap to songs like “Maria Maria.” Their live shows, part of the Oneness Tour, feature a mix of classic hits and new material.

Santana’s residency at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, titled “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live,” has been ongoing for 13 years and is extended through 2025. Even after urgent back surgery in September 2024 forced him to cancel several shows, Santana returned to the stage, celebrating the 25th anniversary of “Supernatural” with high-energy performances.

Part of the proceeds from Santana’s shows support charities, including the Milagro Foundation and the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation. Santana’s commitment to giving back is as strong as ever, reflecting his belief in hope, courage, and unity.

A Message of Hope

At 77, Carlos Santana is more than a rock legend—he is a survivor, a spiritual seeker, and an advocate for social justice. His journey from Tijuana’s strip clubs to the world’s biggest stages is a testament to resilience and transformation. Santana’s message to fans is clear: “Celebrate your own light and your divinity.”

Through pain and triumph, Santana’s music and life continue to inspire. As he looks ahead to new shows and family collaborations, one thing is certain: Carlos Santana’s greatest legacy is not just in his notes, but in his unwavering spirit.