(born 1947) Mexican-born guitarist, considered one of the founding fathers of “world music,” who blends guitar-based rock ’n’ roll associated with the “British invasion” with blues music and AfroCuban rhythms. Also developing influences from jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, he developed rhythms and themes of a more eastern origin, which he explored in collaborations with guitarist John McLaughlin.

Santana burst onto the music scene, first in 1966 in San Francisco and then internationally at the Woodstock Festival of 1969. He followed up the Woodstock triumph with the double-platinum Santana (1967) and quadruple-platinum Santana Abraxas (1968). During his career he has produced many different kinds of albums from rock to experimental jazz with changing back-up bands. His 1999 album, Supernatural, gained widespread acclaim and a record-tying eight Grammy Awards.