Santana were doubly blessed with coming out of the fertile San Francisco scene of the late '60s as well as playing a career-defining set at Woodstock. The band, led by guitarist Carlos Santana, injected Latin grooves into its jam-heavy rock, making it a popular radio and concert act throughout the '70s. After a dry spell in the '80s, Santana collaborated with some younger stars on 1999's 'Supernatural' album, which not only yielded them their first No. 1 hit in "Smooth," it also helped them clean up at the following year's Grammy Awards. Original members Gregg Rolie and Neal Schon went on to form Journey; Carlos Santana continues to release albums under his band's name.
- Selected Discography: ‘Santana’ (1969), ‘Abraxas’ (1970), ‘Supernatural’ (1999)
- Related Artists: Neal Schon, Journey
- Further Reading: Top 10 Santana Songs, Carlos Santana Interview, Looking Back on Santana’s Debut Album