Album Information:

About Santana:

Santana is a Mexican-American guitarist and band leader who gained international fame and acclaim for his virtuosic playing and unique blend of rock, jazz, and Latin American music. He was born Carlos Augusto Alves Santana on July 20, 1947, in Autlán, Jalisco, Mexico, and grew up in Tijuana. Santana was inspired to play guitar after hearing blues and rock music on the radio as a child.

Santana moved to San Francisco in the 1960s, where he became part of the city's vibrant counterculture scene. He formed the Santana Blues Band with other musicians, including percussionist Michael Carabello and keyboardist and vocalist Gregg Rolie. The band played in local venues and gained a following, eventually signing a record deal with Columbia Records in 1968.

Santana's self-titled debut album, released in 1969, was a breakthrough success, reaching number four on the Billboard 200 chart and spawning hit singles like 'Evil Ways' and 'Jingo.' The album was praised for its innovative blend of rock guitar riffs, Latin percussion, and jazz-inflected harmonies. Santana's signature guitar sound, characterized by sustained notes and fluid, melodic solos, became an inspiration to generations of guitarists.

In the following years, Santana released a string of successful albums, including Abraxas (1970), Santana III (1971), Caravanserai (1972), and Welcome (1973). The band's music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of funk, fusion, and world music. Santana collaborated with other artists, including John McLaughlin, Miles Davis, and Herbie Hancock, and performed at major music festivals, including Woodstock, Monterey Pop, and Montreux Jazz Festival.

Despite these successes, Santana struggled with drug addiction and personal turmoil. He took a hiatus from music in the late 1970s and early 1980s before making a comeback with the album Zebop! (1981). He continued to record and tour throughout the 1980s and 1990s, though with varying degrees of commercial success.

In 1999, Santana staged a comeback with the album Supernatural, which featured collaborations with contemporary pop and rock artists like Rob Thomas, Dave Matthews, and Eric Clapton. The album was a massive hit, selling over 30 million copies worldwide and winning nine Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The follow-up, Shaman (2002), was also a success, though not on the same level as its predecessor.

Santana remains active as a musician and performer, continuing to release albums and tour the world. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and a Kennedy Center Honor in 2013. Santana has also become a philanthropist, establishing the Milagro Foundation to support underprivileged youth in the areas of education, health, and the arts.

About the album Guitar Heaven - The Greatest Guitar Classics Of All Time:

Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time is a rock album by the popular Latin rock group Santana, released on September 21, 2010. The album is entirely made up of covers of classic rock songs that showcase the talents of some of the most skilled guitarists in the history of music.

The album opens with an energetic rendition of 'Whole Lotta Love' by Led Zeppelin, with the iconic riff being delivered by Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, who adds his instantly recognizable, powerful vocals to the mix. Other vocalists featured on the album include Scott Weiland, Chester Bennington, Rob Thomas, and India.Arie, among others.

The track that follows, 'Can't You Hear Me Knocking,' originally recorded by The Rolling Stones, features legendary blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa, whose electrifying guitar solo takes center stage.

Further into the album, 'Little Wing' by Jimi Hendrix features Joe Cocker on vocals and stellar guitar work by Derek Trucks, while Rob Thomas delivers an emotional rendition of 'Sunshine of Your Love' originally by Cream.

The album closes with a mesmerizing instrumental version of 'Riders on the Storm' by The Doors, highlighting the extraordinary talents of guitarist John Lee Hooker Jr., which perfectly captures the mood and melancholy of the original.

Overall, Guitar Heaven is a tribute to some of the greatest guitarists of all time, and is a must-have for fans of classic rock. Carlos Santana and his collaborators have done an exceptional job of paying homage to the original tracks while adding their own unique and creative spin on the music.

Members:

Carlos Santana: Born in 1947 in Autlán de Navarro, Mexico, Carlos Santana is the founder and lead guitarist of the band Santana. He began playing guitar at a young age and formed his first band, Santana Blues Band, in the late 1960s. Santana's unique blend of Latin, rock, and jazz sounds became wildly popular and earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.

Gregg Rolie: Born in 1947 in Seattle, Washington, Gregg Rolie was the co-founder of Santana and served as the band's lead vocalist and keyboardist. Prior to his time in Santana, Rolie played in a number of local bands and was heavily influenced by the music of Ray Charles and The Beatles. He left Santana in 1972 to form the band Journey.

Jose 'Chepito' Areas: Born in 1946 in León, Nicaragua, Jose 'Chepito' Areas was the band's conga player. Areas had been playing percussion since he was five years old and had worked with a number of Latin jazz ensembles before joining Santana.

Mike Carabello: Born in 1947 in San Francisco, California, Mike Carabello was the band's timbales player. Prior to his time in Santana, Carabello had played in a number of local bands and had even shared a stage with Jimi Hendrix.

David Brown: Born in 1947 in New York, David Brown was the band's bassist. Brown had been playing music since he was in high school and was heavily influenced by jazz and R&B music.

Michael Shrieve: Born in 1949 in San Francisco, California, Michael Shrieve was the band's drummer. Shrieve began playing drums at a young age and had already gained a reputation as a top-notch player before joining Santana. He was only 20 years old when he played the band's legendary Woodstock performance in 1969.

Track List for Guitar Heaven - The Greatest Guitar Classics Of All Time:

1. 'Whole Lotta Love' (featuring Chris Cornell) – 3:51
This track is a cover of the famous Led Zeppelin song 'Whole Lotta Love'. Chris Cornell's vocals blend perfectly with Santana's guitar, creating a powerful and energetic version of the classic tune.

2. 'Can't You Hear Me Knocking' (featuring Scott Weiland) – 5:38
Scott Weiland's vocals on this song, originally by The Rolling Stones, bring a new level of grit and intensity. The guitar solo towards the end of the track showcases Santana's legendary talent.

3. 'Sunshine of Your Love' (featuring Rob Thomas) – 4:43
Rob Thomas from Matchbox Twenty joins Santana on this rendition of the Cream classic. The guitar riffs are complemented by the upbeat vocals, making for a lively and fun track.

4. 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' (featuring India.Arie and Yo-Yo Ma) – 6:03
This Beatles song gets an acoustic treatment with the addition of cello by Yo-Yo Ma and the soulful vocals of India.Arie. Santana's guitar playing adds to the emotional depth of the track.

5. 'Dance the Night Away' (featuring Pat Monahan) – 3:23
This Van Halen song is transformed into a more Latin-flavored track with the help of Pat Monahan's vocals. Santana's guitar improvisation towards the end keeps the energy high.

6. 'Back in Black' (featuring Nas) – 4:19
Nas adds his rapping skills to this AC/DC tune, making for an interesting and unique mix of genres. Santana's guitar adds a rock edge to the hip hop feel.

7. 'Little Wing' (featuring Joe Cocker) – 4:52
Joe Cocker's bluesy voice pairs perfectly with Santana's guitar on this Jimi Hendrix classic. The track is slowed down and given a more emotive feel.

8. 'I Ain't Superstitious' (featuring Jonny Lang) – 3:56
Jonny Lang's vocals bring a modern blues feel to this Howlin' Wolf song. Santana's guitar playing is electrifying and showcases his mastery of the instrument.

9. 'Fortunate Son' (featuring Scott Stapp) – 3:40
Scott Stapp brings a powerful and raspy vocal performance to this Creedence Clearwater Revival classic. Santana's guitar blends perfectly with the rock and roll feel of the song.

10. 'Under the Bridge' (featuring Andy Vargas) – 5:17
This Red Hot Chili Peppers song takes on a more Latin vibe with the addition of Andy Vargas' vocals. Santana's guitar playing is more subtle in this track and gives the song a more relaxed feel.

11. 'Bang a Gong' (featuring Gavin Rossdale) – 3:41
Gavin Rossdale's vocals give a new energy to this T. Rex classic. Santana's guitar playing is more prominent in this track, adding to the rock and roll feel.

12. 'Smoke on the Water' (featuring Jacoby Shaddix) – 5:13
Jacoby Shaddix from Papa Roach brings a heavier and more intense feel to this Deep Purple classic. Santana's guitar work is particularly impressive in this track, giving a modern edge to the iconic riff.

Overall, Guitar Heaven - The Greatest Guitar Classics Of All Time is a diverse collection of classic tunes reimagined by the legendary Carlos Santana and a range of talented vocalists. The album showcases Santana's iconic guitar playing while also giving each song a fresh and exciting twist.

Discography for Santana:

Here is a complete discography for the artist Santana in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:

Albums:
1. Santana (1969)
2. Abraxas (1970)
3. Santana III (1971)
4. Caravanserai (1972)
5. Welcome (1973)
6. Borboletta (1974)
7. Amigos (1976)
8. Festival (1977)
9. Moonflower (1977)
10. Inner Secrets (1978)
11. Marathon (1979)
12. Zebop! (1981)
13. Shangó (1982)
14. Beyond Appearances (1985)
15. Freedom (1987)
16. Spirits Dancing in the Flesh (1990)
17. Milagro (1992)
18. Supernatural (1999)
19. Shaman (2002)
20. All That I Am (2005)
21. Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time (2010)
22. Shape Shifter (2012)
23. Santana IV (2016)
24. Africa Speaks (2019)

Singles:
1. 'Jingo' (1969)
2. 'Evil Ways' (1970)
3. 'Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen' (1971)
4. 'Everybody's Everything' (1971)
5. 'Oye Como Va' (1971)
6. 'No One to Depend On' (1972)
7. 'Welcome' (1973)
8. 'Samba Pa Ti' (1973)
9. 'Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)' (1976)
10. 'Let It Shine' (1976)
11. 'She's Not There' (1977)
12. 'Hold On' (1982)
13. 'Nowhere to Run' (1982)
14. 'Say It Again' (1985)
15. 'Veracruz' (1987)
16. 'Hold On' (1990)
17. 'Smooth' (1999)
18. 'Maria Maria' (2000)
19. 'Put Your Lights On' (2000)
20. 'The Game of Love' (2002)
21. 'Why Don't You & I' (2003)
22. 'Just Feel Better' (2005)

Other releases:
1. Live at the Fillmore '68 (1997)
2. Santana Jam (2000)
3. The Essential Santana (2002)
4. Santana Live (2004)
5. Live at Montreux 2011: Santana IV (2017)