:: Carlos Santana | Architect of Peace

Bringing together many musical styles, guitarist and composer Carlos Santana is a smooth and sensational symbol of Californian and American multiculturalism. Born in 1947 in Mexico, Carlos loved music and by the time he and his family moved to San Francisco, 13 year-old Carlos was already a very popular guitarist with Tijuana's mariachi bands. After graduating high school, he and several other musicians formed Santana Blues Band, which brought together mariachi, blues, jazz, and rock styles into a totally unique sound. In addition to his band, in which he has become Latin Rock's biggest ever name, Carlos has worked with hundreds of singers, composers, and bands, bringing to each his own flair. He has covered Fleetwood Mac, Tito Puente, and Chuck Barry, and has performed with R&B legend Aretha Franklin, Nigerian drummer Babatunde Olatunji, and Nickelback star Chad Kroeger. He wrote the music for the film La Bamba, but also backed Michael Jackson. With six platinum albums and numerous awards, he is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed guitarists of all time. When not performing, he and his wife Deborah have founded the Milagro Foundation, a music fund for disadvantaged youth, and the Amandla AIDS Fund. By his artistic skill, his commitment to all cultures, and his very fast fingers, Carlos Santana continues to bring people together and to rock the world.

Quotations

"The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace."

"It's time for people to realize that we are all mixed up inside. That is why there is so much diversity on my records. I can relate to so many cultures and I want that to be reflected in my music."

"My job in this life is to give people spiritual ecstasy through music. In my concerts people cry, laugh, dance. If they climaxed spiritually, I did my job. I did it decently and honestly."

"Angels cry because they want to experience what you and I feel: the moment. They live in eternity. They don't know what it is like to read a newspaper and get ink on your fingers. They don't know what it is like to take your shoes off and wiggle your toes under the dinner table."

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