Men's Lifestyle November 5, 2025 0 Comments

Carlos Santana Reveals the Powerful Secret Behind a Legacy That Defies Time and Inspires Every Beat of Your Soul

Carlos Santana—ever wonder what it really means to shape sound over decades? From blazing the stage at Woodstock to riding the mega-wave of Grammy fame with Supernatural, Santana’s journey is nothing short of legendary. This isn’t just a story about guitars and gigs; it’s about a man who doesn’t just strum strings but speaks volumes through them—turning every note into a conversation with life itself. Over fifty years, while the music world twisted and turned like a rollercoaster, Santana stayed true to one mission: to touch hearts, inspire souls, and serve something far bigger than himself. Curious how he’s kept his music fresh and timeless? Stick around as he spills the spirit behind his sound, the magic of his signature guitars, and the legacy that still fuels his fire. LEARN MORE

From Woodstock to Supernatural, Carlos Santana has been shaping sound for decades.

Carlos Santana doesn’t just play guitar—he speaks through it. There’s a rhythm to his voice, the same one that first electrified Woodstock audiences and later helped Supernatural sweep the Grammys. Over a career spanning more than fifty years, Santana has witnessed music evolve, yet his mission hasn’t changed. Every song, every collaboration, every performance is an offering—to the listener, to life, and to something bigger than himself.

In conversation with SWAGGER, Santana reflects on the spirit behind his music, the guitars that define his tone, and the legacy he hopes to leave.

SWAGGER: Your career stretches from Woodstock to Grammy glory with Supernatural—a tapestry few artists can claim. What do you feel has kept your music timeless across generations?

SANTANA: Our intentions, motives and purpose are to be of service to life, people and the planet. That is what makes the music of Santana timeless. We set our intentions to touch people’s hearts every day. From the very beginning, I’ve seen music as a spiritual force—a language of light that transcends borders, flags and generations. Whether it was Woodstock or Supernatural, my goal has always been to touch the listener’s heart and soul. Bill Graham said I am the child of Tito Puente and B.B. King. The foundation has always been rooted in African rhythms, blues, jazz, gospel, rock and pop. But all of it started in Africa and we honor that. These elements speak a universal tone. That is why you see grandparents, moms and dads, teenagers and little kids at our shows. It speaks to life and family.

Paul Reed Smith and Carlos Santana, circa 1980 (Erik Kabik)

SWAGGER: You first connected with Paul Reed Smith in the early 1980s, and that relationship led to one of PRS’s most iconic artist signature models. What initially drew you to those guitars, and how has your long-standing partnership with PRS shaped your sound over the years?

SANTANA: When I first met Paul Reed Smith in the ’80s, what stood out to me was Paul’s spirit, passion and this fire in his eyes. He wasn’t just building instruments; he was chasing this incredible tone. Being a musician himself, he understands what a player wants and was able to translate that feeling into the instrument. My heart and instincts saw something in Paul. He had the intangibles to create a masterpiece of joy. The first time I played one of his guitars, I felt this immediate connection. The sustain, the clarity, the soul—it was mostly there, we just needed to tweak a few things to get it perfect.

I have been to the factory and there are so many amazing people at PRS who make all that happen. The people who select the right wood, shape the neck and fingerboard, to the people who finish the guitars and test them—their fingerprints are in every note and help make the music of Santana soar. And of course, Beverly and Paul check everything before it is stage ready and sent to me. Do you know that my guitars generally arrive across the country to me in tune? That is amazing.

SWAGGER: You’ve had a direct hand in designing PRS signature models since the mid-1990s. Can you walk us through your involvement? What are the specs or tonal details that matter most to you, and how do you help bring those designs to life?

SANTANA: Since the mid-’90s, I’ve had the blessing of working closely with Paul and his incredible team to co-create something that truly sings. I’d sit with Paul, play the prototypes, and say, “This pickup needs to sing more.” And he would go back and rewind them until they were right. Paul always searches for a way to create what I was feeling and hearing in tangible forms. He never says no.

For years I was telling Paul that he needs to make guitars that are accessible to everyone, and he finally listened to me when he created the SE guitars. Now you can’t go into a guitar store without seeing them.
All of it has a frequency, sound, resonance—vibration. I’m grateful that the people at PRS understand my vibration and intention and help me articulate what I am feeling.

Carlos Guitar Rack: Courtesy of Carlos Santana Archives

SWAGGER: Reflecting on the 2000 Grammy Awards, when Supernatural took home nine Grammys in total, including Album of the Year, how did that night shift your perspective on legacy?

SANTANA: That evening at the Grammys with Supernatural was a beautiful moment and a divine embrace. But for me, it wasn’t just about the trophies or the looks in people’s eyes. It was about using that light and attention to do something deeply meaningful. That evening allowed us to expand our reach, to share our energy and intention with more children around the world who needed love, attention, and support. We created the Milagro Foundation—to serve underserved children in education, healthcare, and the arts. It’s about giving them hope, opportunity, and a chance to shine in their own light. That to me is greater than any award.

Carlos & Rob Thomas; Courtesy of Carlos Santana Archives

SWAGGER: Your recent collaborations span genres and generations—from working with Rob Thomas to G-Eazy and Michelle Branch. How do creative risks and cross-genre partnerships continue to fuel your inspiration today?

SANTANA: I’ve always been drawn to artists who carry sincerity, passion, and soul, no matter the genre or generation. Whether it’s Rob Thomas, Grupo Frontera, Eric Clapton, John McLaughlin, or anyone else, I’m listening for spirit and honesty. I’ve never been afraid of so-called “career suicide” and following my heart. When we made Caravanserai in the early ’70s, my managers, record execs, and even some of the band were saying, “Carlos, you’re throwing it all away.” I was following my divine spirit, heart and my truth. When Supernatural came along, it was the same. It connected with millions of people at all corners of the planet. To me, it was just the world catching up with where my heart had always been.

SWAGGER: Now back on tour, what excites you most about live performance? After decades on stage, how has your relationship with performing evolved—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?

SANTANA: We were just in Europe and it has been so amazing reconnecting with friends and visiting these incredible cities. It has always been about the connection with people, elevating them to make a positive difference in their lives. When we play, and someone in the crowd closes their eyes, smiles, hugs their lover, gets chills or cries—there is nothing more validating. That connection between sound and spirit, the band and the listener … that’s what moves me most. Spiritually, we meditate before every show and get centered. This allows us to leave whatever baggage we are carrying behind and be one with our heart’s music. This allows the listener to do the same. As Bob Marley said, “Forget your troubles and dance.” I am grateful to still be of service to life, people and the planet.

SWAGGER: You’ve often spoken about music as a spiritual force. In what ways does spirituality continue to guide you—as a musician, a partner, and a human being?

SANTANA: You know, we’re beings of light. Once you perceive you are a beam of Light that comes from the mind of God, you will carry yourself differently. As a partner, and as a human being, it is about listening with your heart and choosing love over fear, compassion over judgment—every time. If you listen to real God, God is about compassion and mercy and unity and harmony.

SWAGGER: With Cindy Blackman Santana not only as your wife but also a formidable collaborator behind the kit, how does that shared rhythm and intimacy influence your creative process?

SANTANA: Cindy brings to the table impeccable integrity and supreme fierceness—the same fierceness that Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Roy Haynes and Art Blakey have. There’s a trust and an unspoken language between us. She hits the drums not just with power, but with intention—with grace. She doesn’t just keep time—she creates time. It moves the earth and touches the sky. Together, what we create is beyond music: they are moments of transcendence—where rhythm meets heart, sound, resonance, vibration.

SWAGGER: Outside of music, you’ve launched ventures like Santana Tequila, Mirayo by Santana cannabis, and your fine art and photography book Carlos Santana: Love Devotion Surrender. What drives your creative curiosity across these different platforms?

SANTANA: Everything we do outside of music is really about one thing: being of service to people. Our association with these products is assigned and designed to support the Milagro Foundation and help children around the world. When someone comes up to me and says, “Mr. Santana, because of you, I’m the first person in my family to go to college,” that means more to me than any award or accolade. That is why we do what we do—to be of service to people.

SWAGGER: At this stage in your journey, how do you define your legacy—and what do you hope people feel when they hear your music today?

SANTANA: I hope people find love, compassion and kindness for themselves and one another.

Carlos Santana (Credits: Roberto Finizio)

SWAGGER: What’s one truth or lesson you’ve learned on the road—through music, love, or life—that you wish you could pass on to the next generation of artists?

SANTANA: I have said this before: play music that is genuine, honest, sincere, truthful, authentic and for real on every song.

SWAGGER: If you could have one final jam session with anyone living or gone, who would it be, and what song would you want to play together?

SANTANA: Playing “Bésame Mucho” with my father, José Santana, and my brother Jorge.

For Carlos Santana, music has never been just performance—it’s a calling. Decades after his first notes rang out at Woodstock, he’s still teaching the same lesson: play from the heart, serve the world, and let love be the rhythm. Everything else, as he’d say, is vibration.