Centered on legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, the rock outfit Santana was founded as the Carlos Santana Blues Band in the late 1960s. Born in Mexico to a father who played violin in a mariachi band, Santana picked up both the violin and guitar at an early age and eventually left Mexico for San Francisco. While working as a street busker he met other musicians who were intent on creating an eclectic and world friendly rock sound, and Carlos Santana Blues Band was born. Inspired by jazz fusion, funk, psychedelic rock, blues rock and of course Latin music, the group shortened its name to Santana and first came to public attention after a performance at the now iconic Woodstock Festival of 1969. Since the release of its eponymous debut album the same year, Santana has released over 20 albums in the last few decade including 2012's Shape Shifter, solidifying Carlos Santana's reputation as one of Latin rock's most renowned figures.
