2009 Carlos Santana

From the 1960s, when he first entered the music world professionally, until now, as he entwines the famous sound of his guitar to today's music, Carlos Santana has been a Latin legend. Initially, he used joint influences of Latin sound and rock. Soul Sacrifice, his debut album and first Woodstock performance, persuaded many bands to add a conga beat to their music, as heard in the song 'Can You Hear Me Knocking' by the Rolling Stones.

Carlos Santana infused his music with mainstream artists, such as Fleetwood Mac, Olatunji, Tito Puente, and Willie Bobo. In 1972 he decided to take the advice of friend John McLaughlin and add a jazz/fusion route to this music. He conceived Caravanserai, Welcome, Borboletta and Amigos in the span of four years. He always kept his Latin style but made sure to incorporate the sound of rock and dance to ensure his mainstream success.

Santana is known for releasing an album every year, some of his most creative work being in Havana Moon and The Swing of Delight. Santana and his band lived off live shows and, as today, were always on the road. He had a monstrous reputation for his sold out concerts worldwide.

Santana decided to collaborate with Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas to make 'Smooth' off the Supernatural album in 1999. The album also featured Everlast, Wyclef Jean on 'Maria, Maria', and Dave Matthews. It hit the top of the charts for weeks on end and went platinum 25 times over all over the world. The song earned Carlos Santana nine Grammy awards. Shaman was released in 2002, featuring hot artists like Michelle Branch, with 'Game of Love', P.O.D., Ozomatli, Macy Gray, Musiq, and Dido.

During his career, Santana has sold over fifty million albums, played to audiences of thirty million, and has received myriad awards and honors, including a 1998 induction into the Rock 'n Roll Hall Of Fame. Santana is infamous for his sold-out tours and concerts all over the world, including North America and Europe, hitting many cities in countries like France, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.