Complete List Of Santana Band Members

Feature Photo: Geoffrey Clowes / Shutterstock.com

Complete List Of Santana Band Members starts with its main man. Born in Autlán de Navarro, Mexico in 1947, Carlos Santana rose to become a global icon, forever altering the landscape of rock music with his pioneering fusion of Latin rhythms and blues-rock sensibilities. His groundbreaking work redefined the boundaries of the genre, earning him a reputation as a virtuoso guitarist and a cultural bridge between the Americas.

Santana’s impact transcends chart-topping success, evidenced by his ten Grammy Awards, including a record-tying nine for a single project with his 1999 album “Supernatural.” He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame, and received countless other accolades throughout his illustrious career.

The Santana journey began in San Francisco in the late 1960s with the formation of the Santana Blues Band. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1969, marked a turning point, introducing the world to their signature sound – a potent blend of Latin percussion, soaring guitar solos, and soulful vocals. This groundbreaking album, featuring the iconic track “Black Magic Woman,” catapulted the band to international recognition and established Santana as a guitar legend.

Over the course of his career, Santana has released a staggering 43 studio albums, encompassing diverse sonic explorations while staying true to his signature Latin rock roots. His musical influences range from blues icons like B.B. King and T-Bone Walker to Latin American legends like Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaría. In turn, his influence has inspired countless artists across genres, paving the way for a more diverse and globally-minded rock landscape.

Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana, the legendary guitarist and the band’s namesake, has been the cornerstone of Santana since its inception in San Francisco in 1966. His unique blend of rock, Latin American, and African rhythms has defined the band’s sound across multiple decades. Santana’s tenure with the band spans from its formation to the present day, contributing to every album, including seminal works like Abraxas and Supernatural. Beyond Santana, Carlos has enjoyed a prolific solo career, marked by collaborations with a wide array of artists across genres, and he remains an influential figure in the world of guitar music.

Gregg Rolie

Gregg Rolie served as the original lead vocalist and keyboardist for Santana from 1966 until 1971. His tenure with the band saw the release of their first two albums, Santana and Abraxas, both of which are considered classic rock milestones. Rolie’s distinctive voice and organ riffs were integral to hits such as “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va”. After leaving Santana, Rolie co-founded Journey, further cementing his legacy in rock music.

Neal Schon

Neal Schon, who joined Santana at the young age of 15 in 1971, contributed to the albums Santana III and Caravanserai as a guitarist. Known for his technical skills and versatility, Schon’s time with the band was relatively short-lived, as he departed in 1973 to form Journey with Gregg Rolie. Schon achieved tremendous success with Journey, becoming known for anthems like “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Any Way You Want It.”

Michael Shrieve

Michael Shrieve was the drummer for Santana from 1969 to 1974, making significant contributions to the band’s early sound and success, including their breakthrough performance at Woodstock. He played on albums such as Santana, Abraxas, and Santana III. Shrieve is noted for his inventive drumming techniques, which blended rock with Latin rhythms. Following his departure, he pursued various musical projects, including a solo career and collaborations with other artists.

David Brown

David Brown was Santana’s bassist during two key periods: from their formation until 1971, and then again from 1974 to 1976. He played on Santana, Abraxas, and Santana III, contributing to the band’s foundational Latin rock sound. After his time with Santana, Brown worked with other musicians but kept a lower profile than some of his former bandmates.

Michael Carabello

Michael Carabello was a conguero with Santana from 1969 to 1971, contributing to the band’s first three albums. His work helped define Santana’s signature fusion of rock and Latin American music. Carabello’s percussion work is prominent on tracks like “Oye Como Va”. After leaving Santana, Carabello continued to be involved in music but did not achieve the same level of fame as some of his Santana bandmates.

José “Chepito” Areas

José “Chepito” Areas, originally from Nicaragua, was the band’s timbale player and percussionist from 1969 to 1977. He played on the band’s early albums, including Santana, Abraxas, and Santana III. Areas’ energetic playing style and Latin percussion elements were crucial to Santana’s early sound. After parting ways with Santana, Areas continued to perform and record, though he remained most famous for his work with Santana.

Raul Rekow

Raul Rekow joined Santana in 1976 as a conguero and remained with the band for an impressive tenure until 2013. He contributed to numerous albums and tours, becoming a staple of Santana’s evolving sound over the decades. Rekow’s work is featured on later Santana albums such as Marathon, Zebop!, and Supernatural. Outside of Santana, Rekow was respected for his mastery of Afro-Cuban rhythms and conducted workshops and clinics around the world.

Orestes Vilató

Orestes Vilató, a Cuban-born timbales player, was part of Santana from 1976 to 1979. His tenure included albums like Festival and Inner Secrets. Known for his fast, intricate playing, Vilató brought a fresh dynamic to Santana’s rhythm section. After leaving Santana, Vilató became a sought-after session musician and bandleader in the Latin music scene.

Armando Peraza

Armando Peraza, a Cuban percussionist renowned for his skills on bongos and congas, was a member of Santana from 1972 until 1990. His contributions can be heard on albums such as Caravanserai, Amigos, and Freedom. Peraza’s virtuosic percussion work added depth and authenticity to Santana’s Latin-infused rock. Beyond Santana, Peraza was a respected figure in jazz and Afro-Cuban music, having played with artists like George Shearing and Cal Tjader before joining Santana.

Benny Rietveld

Benny Rietveld first joined Santana in 1990 and, after a brief hiatus, has been with the band from 1997 to the present. As the bassist, he has contributed to several albums starting with Spirits Dancing in the Flesh in 1990 and Milagro in 1992, and then on all releases from Supernatural in 1999 onwards. Rietveld’s work has been pivotal in the band’s later commercial and artistic successes. Outside of Santana, he has worked with other prominent artists, showcasing his versatile bass playing skills across various music genres.

Alex Ligertwood

Alex Ligertwood is a Scottish singer and guitarist best known for his tenure as the lead vocalist of the band Santana during the late 1970s through the 1990s. Ligertwood’s distinctive voice contributed to some of Santana’s most successful periods, bringing a blend of rock, jazz, and Latin influences to the band’s sound.

Before joining Santana, Ligertwood had an extensive musical background. He performed with several bands in the UK, including the Jeff Beck Group, Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express, and Average White Band, showcasing his versatility across different musical genres. His work with Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express, in particular, highlighted his soulful voice and ability to meld rock, jazz, and R&B elements.

As the lead vocalist for Santana, Ligertwood sang on a number of the band’s hits, including “Winning” and “Hold On,” tracks that helped Santana maintain relevance and commercial success during the 1980s. His tenure with Santana is often remembered for bringing a more mainstream rock sound to the band’s traditional Latin-infused music.

Karl Perazzo

Karl Perazzo has been a part of Santana as a percussionist and vocalist since 1991. His contributions can be heard on all releases from Milagro (1992) onwards, bringing a rich percussive texture to the band’s music. Perazzo’s expertise in Latin percussion has been a key element in Santana’s sound during his tenure. Besides his work with Santana, Karl Perazzo is known for his sessions and performances with other major artists, contributing to a wide array of musical projects.

Andy Vargas

Andy Vargas joined Santana in 2000 and has since been a vocalist and percussionist with the band. He has contributed to all Santana releases from All That I Am (2005) onwards. Vargas brings a blend of Latin, soul, and rock influences to his vocal performances with Santana. Outside of the band, he has pursued solo projects and collaborations that showcase his diverse musical talents.

Tommy Anthony

Tommy Anthony has been with Santana since 2005, contributing as a rhythm guitarist and vocalist. His work is featured on all releases from Guitar Heaven (2010) onwards. Anthony’s rhythm guitar work complements Santana’s lead guitar, adding depth and texture to the band’s sound. In addition to his role in Santana, Tommy Anthony has worked with various artists, contributing his guitar playing and vocals across different music styles.

David K. Matthews

David K. Matthews has been the keyboardist for Santana since 2011, with his contributions featured on all releases from Corazón (2014) onwards. Matthews brings a wealth of experience to Santana, with a background that spans jazz, R&B, and pop, enriching the band’s musical arrangements. His career outside Santana includes working with notable jazz and pop musicians, further highlighting his versatility as a keyboardist.

Paoli Mejías

Paoli Mejías joined Santana as a percussionist in 2013 and has contributed to Corazón (2014) and Corazón: Live from México – Live It to Believe It (2014). Known for his mastery in Latin jazz, Mejías adds a vibrant and dynamic layer to Santana’s percussion ensemble. His career outside the band is marked by critical acclaim in the Latin jazz scene, including Grammy nominations for his solo work.

Cindy Blackman Santana

Cindy Blackman Santana, who joined the band as a drummer in 2015, is also the wife of Carlos Santana. Her contributions can be heard on Corazón (2014), Corazón: Live from México – Live It to Believe It (2014), In Search of Mona Lisa (2019), and Africa Speaks (2019). An accomplished musician in her own right, Cindy is renowned for her versatility, having played in jazz, rock, and fusion genres. Before joining Santana, she gained prominence as the drummer for Lenny Kravitz and as a bandleader in the jazz domain.

Tom Fraser

Tom Fraser was a guitarist for Santana in the early days, specifically from 1966 to 1967, before the band’s first album was released. As such, there are no recorded album contributions from Fraser with Santana. His brief tenure was during the formative years when the band was shaping its sound and identity in the San Francisco Bay Area music scene.

Sergio “Gus” Rodriguez

Sergio “Gus” Rodriguez played bass for Santana during its early formation period. Like Tom Fraser, Rodriguez’s involvement with the band occurred before Santana’s debut album, meaning he did not contribute to any official album releases. His role was pivotal in the band’s initial development and live performances.

Rod Harper

Rod Harper was a drummer for Santana in the early stages of the band, contributing his skills before the recording of their debut album. Harper’s time with Santana was during a period of experimentation and growth, playing a part in the band’s early live performances and helping to establish their musical foundation.

Marcus Malone

Marcus Malone was a percussionist with Santana from 1967 to 1969. While he did not play on the studio albums due to his departure before Santana’s debut album, his contributions were part of the band’s early sound. Malone’s percussion work is featured on live recordings from that era, such as Live at the Fillmore 1968.

Bob Livingston

Bob Livingston played drums for Santana between 1967 and 1969. His tenure with the band, like several early members, fell before the release of their debut album, so he does not appear on the studio recordings. However, Livingston was part of the band’s formative years, contributing to their evolving sound.

Tom Rutley

Tom Rutley played bass and acoustic bass for Santana, contributing specifically to the album Caravanserai in 1972. His work on this album helped shape its distinctive, more experimental and jazz-influenced sound, marking a departure from Santana’s earlier rock-oriented albums.

Buddy Miles

Buddy Miles was involved with Santana as a drummer and percussionist in various years (1971, 1972, 1986, 1987) and contributed vocals and guitar in the mid-1980s. He is noted for his work on the album Freedom in 1987. Miles was well-known for his dynamic drumming style and had a successful career outside Santana, including his work with the Band of Gypsys with Jimi Hendrix.

Pete Escovedo

Pete Escovedo, a renowned percussionist, played with Santana during two periods, 1971 and from 1977 to 1979. His contributions can be heard on albums like Moonflower in 1977 and Inner Secrets in 1978. Escovedo’s career outside Santana is notable, with significant contributions to Latin jazz and fusion.

Coke Escovedo

Coke Escovedo was a percussionist with Santana in the early 1970s, contributing to Santana III in 1971. His tenure with the band was marked by his contributions to their Latin rock sound. Coke was also known for his work outside Santana, including his contributions to the development of Latin rock and jazz fusion.

Rico Reyes

Rico Reyes, a percussionist and vocalist, contributed to Santana during the early 1970s. He played on Abraxas in 1970 and Santana III in 1971, and his work is also featured on Caravanserai in 1972. Reyes’ contributions helped define Santana’s blend of rock and Latin music during this period.

Victor Pantoja

Victor Pantoja was a percussionist who briefly joined Santana in 1971, though he did not contribute to any album releases during his short tenure with the band. His involvement was part of Santana’s exploration of diverse musical influences, including Latin and African rhythms.

Richard Kermode

Richard Kermode was a keyboardist for Santana from 1972 to 1973, contributing to the albums Welcome in 1973 and Lotus in 1974. Kermode’s keyboard work added depth to Santana’s evolving sound, which during his tenure was exploring more jazz and fusion elements.

Doug Rauch

Doug Rauch played bass and guitar for Santana from 1972 to 1974, contributing to albums such as Caravanserai, Welcome, and Lotus. Rauch’s innovative bass playing, particularly his use of thumb-picking and effects, added a unique dimension to Santana’s music during this period.

James “Mingo” Lewis

James “Mingo” Lewis was a percussionist with Santana, contributing specifically to the album Caravanserai in 1972. Lewis’s percussive talents added to the album’s experimental and jazz-fusion direction, further expanding Santana’s musical boundaries.

Leon Thomas

Leon Thomas contributed vocals to Santana, featuring on the albums Welcome in 1973 and Lotus in 1974. Thomas was known for his unique, yodel-like vocal style, which added an avant-garde element to Santana’s music during his tenure with the band.

Leon “Ndugu” Chancler

Leon “Ndugu” Chancler was a drummer for Santana, contributing to the albums Borboletta in 1974 and Amigos in 1976. Chancler was renowned for his versatile drumming style, which blended elements of jazz, funk, and rock, enriching Santana’s sound during the mid-1970s.

Leon Patillo

Leon Patillo played keyboards, piano, and percussion for Santana, contributing to Borboletta in 1974. Patillo’s versatile musicianship added to the album’s fusion of jazz, rock, and Latin sounds. He also pursued a successful solo career in Christian music after his tenure with Santana.

Jules Broussard

Jules Broussard played the saxophone for Santana, contributing to the albums Welcome in 1973 and Borboletta in 1974. His saxophone work added a jazz-inflected layer to Santana’s music, particularly on tracks that leaned towards jazz fusion and experimental rock.

Greg Walker

Greg Walker was a vocalist for Santana, joining in 1975 and contributing to albums like Amigos in 1976. Walker’s soulful voice complemented Santana’s Latin rock sound, and he played a key role in some of the band’s hits from the mid-to-late 1970s.

Gaylord Birch

Gaylord Birch played drums and percussion for Santana in 1976 and again in 1991, contributing to the album Festivál in 1977. Birch’s powerful drumming style added energy and drive to Santana’s performances and recordings during his tenure.

Graham Lear

Graham Lear was a drummer for Santana from 1976 to 1983 and again from 1985 to 1987. He contributed to albums such as Moonflower, Inner Secrets, Marathon, Zebop!, and Shangó. Lear’s precise and dynamic drumming was a key component of Santana’s sound during this period, supporting the band’s forays into more pop-oriented territories.

Joel Badie

Joel Badie contributed to Santana’s Festivál album in 1976. His involvement in the album added to its diverse sound, which blended rock, Latin, jazz, and African influences, showcasing the band’s musical versatility.

Pablo Tellez

Pablo Tellez played bass for Santana, contributing to the albums Festivál in 1977 and Moonflower in the same year. His bass playing supported Santana’s exploration of different musical styles, including Latin jazz and fusion sounds.

David Margen

David Margen was a bassist for Santana from 1977 to 1982, contributing to albums such as Moonflower, Inner Secrets, Marathon, Zebop!, and Shangó. Margen’s bass work provided a solid foundation for Santana’s music, spanning a period when the band experimented with a variety of styles, from jazz fusion to more commercial rock sounds.

Chris Solberg

Chris Solberg contributed to Santana as a guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist from 1978 to 1980. He played on the albums Inner Secrets and Zebop!, adding to the band’s sound during a period of transition and exploration of new musical directions.

Chris Rhyne

Chris Rhyne was a keyboardist for Santana, contributing to the album Inner Secrets in 1978. His keyboard work added texture and depth to the band’s sound, which during this period was incorporating elements of rock, jazz, and pop.

Russell Tubbs

Russell Tubbs was associated with Santana in 1978, primarily contributing his skills as a flutist. While specific album contributions might not be detailed, his involvement added to the rich tapestry of Santana’s sound, which often blended rock with various world music elements.

Alan Pasqua

Alan Pasqua joined Santana as a keyboardist and vocalist, contributing to the albums Marathon in 1979 and Zebop! in 1981. Pasqua’s contributions helped shape Santana’s sound during a period marked by a blend of rock, jazz, and Latin influences.

Richard Baker

Richard Baker was a keyboardist for Santana from 1980 to 1982, contributing to the albums Zebop! and Shangó. His keyboard work enriched the band’s sound with a blend of rock, pop, and Latin elements, characteristic of Santana’s early ’80s phase.

Chester D. Thompson

Chester D. Thompson played keyboards and provided arrangements and vocals for Santana from 1983 to 2009. He contributed to a wide range of Santana’s releases, from Beyond Appearances to Shape Shifter. Thompson’s extensive tenure with the band saw him contributing to its evolving sound over nearly three decades.

Keith Jones

Keith Jones was a bassist for Santana, involved with the band during 1983–1984 and 1989. While specific album contributions during his tenure are not detailed, Jones’ bass playing would have supported Santana’s live performances and potentially studio recordings during this period.

David Sancious

David Sancious joined Santana in 1984, contributing his skills on rhythm guitar and keyboards. His work is featured on the album Beyond Appearances in 1985. Sancious is known for his versatility, blending elements of rock, jazz, and classical music into his playing.

Chester C. Thompson

Chester C. Thompson was a drummer for Santana, joining the band in 1984. His drumming contributions during his tenure with Santana would have added to the band’s dynamic live performances and studio recordings, though specific album contributions during this period are not detailed.

Alphonso Johnson

Alphonso Johnson played bass for Santana during two periods, 1985–1989 and again in 1992. He contributed to albums like Beyond Appearances, Freedom, and Spirits Dancing in the Flesh. Johnson’s fluid and melodic bass playing enriched Santana’s music, which during his tenure blended rock with jazz, funk, and world music influences.

Sterling Crew

Sterling Crew was involved with Santana in 1986, contributing his keyboard skills to the album Freedom in 1987. Crew’s work added to the album’s diverse sound, which incorporated rock, funk, and Latin influences.

Walfredo Reyes Jr.

Walfredo Reyes Jr. played drums for Santana from 1989 to 1991 and again from 1992 to 1993. His contributions are featured on albums like Spirits Dancing in the Flesh and Milagro. Reyes Jr.’s drumming brought a lively and rhythmic energy to Santana’s music, reflecting his expertise in Latin and world percussion.

Billy Johnson

Billy Johnson was a drummer for Santana at various points (1991, 1994, 2000–2001), contributing to albums like Milagro, Supernatural, and Shaman. Johnson’s powerful and versatile drumming supported Santana’s exploration of different musical styles, from Latin rock to pop-infused tracks.

Tony Lindsay

Tony Lindsay provided vocals for Santana from 1991 to 1995, from 2004 to 2007, and from 2007 to 2015. His contributions are featured on albums such as Milagro, Supernatural, Shaman, Shape Shifter, and Corazón. Lindsay’s soulful voice added depth and emotion to Santana’s music, complementing its rich fusion of styles.

Myron Dove

Myron Dove played bass and rhythm guitar for Santana from 1992 to 1996 and again from 2003 to 2005. His contributions can be heard on the live album Sacred Fire: Live in South America. Dove’s groove-oriented bass playing contributed to the rhythmic foundation of Santana’s live performances during his tenure.

Vorriece Cooper

Vorriece Cooper contributed vocals to Santana from 1992 to 1993. While specific album contributions during this period are not detailed, Cooper’s vocal talents would have been a part of Santana’s live performances, adding to the band’s dynamic stage presence.

Oran Coltrane

Oran Coltrane was associated with Santana in 1992, contributing his saxophone skills. While specific album contributions might not be detailed, Coltrane’s involvement added to the diverse musical influences within Santana’s sound, including elements of jazz and blues.

Rodney Holmes

Rodney Holmes was a drummer for Santana from 1993 to 1994 and again from 1997 to 2000. Holmes is known for his technical skill and versatility, which contributed to Santana’s sound during his tenure, especially in live performances and potentially studio recordings during these periods.

Tommie Bradford

Tommie Bradford’s involvement with Santana in 1994 likely contributed to the band’s live performances during that time. Bradford’s role, possibly as a drummer or percussionist, would have added to the rhythmic and dynamic aspects of Santana’s music.

Curtis Salgado

Curtis Salgado joined Santana in 1995, bringing his talents as a vocalist and harmonica player. Salgado is known for his soulful voice and blues harmonica skills, which would have added a rich, emotive layer to Santana’s music during his tenure.

Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez

Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez played drums for Santana in 1997, contributing to the album Supernatural in 1999. Hernandez is renowned for his innovative approach to drumming, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz and rock, which enriched Santana’s Grammy-winning album with vibrant and complex rhythmic textures.

Ricky Wellman

Ricky Wellman’s association with Santana, though not detailed in the provided list, suggests he was involved with the band at some point. As a drummer, Wellman’s contributions would have been part of Santana’s rhythm section, supporting their live performances and possibly studio recordings.

Willian “Bill” Ortiz

Willian “Bill” Ortiz played trumpet for Santana from 1999 to 2016, contributing to albums from Supernatural through to Corazón: Live from México – Live It to Believe It. Ortiz’s trumpet playing added a bright, melodic layer to Santana’s music, complementing its fusion of rock, Latin, and jazz elements.

Jeff Cressman

Jeff Cressman was a trombonist for Santana from 1999 to 2016, contributing to the band’s albums from Supernatural to Corazón: Live from México – Live It to Believe It. Cressman’s trombone work added depth and richness to Santana’s brass section, enhancing the band’s vibrant and diverse sound.

Dennis Chambers

Dennis Chambers played drums for Santana from 2002 to 2013, contributing to albums like All That I Am, Guitar Heaven, Shape Shifter, and Corazón. Known for his incredible technique and versatility, Chambers’ drumming brought a powerful and dynamic energy to Santana’s music during this period.

Christopher A. Scott

Christopher A. Scott was associated with Santana from 2002 to 2005, contributing as a bassist and vocalist. While specific album contributions during his tenure are not detailed, Scott’s involvement would have supported Santana’s live performances and possibly studio recordings with his musical versatility.

Freddie Ravel

Freddie Ravel played keyboards for Santana from 2009 to 2010, contributing to the album Guitar Heaven in 2010. Ravel’s keyboard work added a layer of harmonic richness to the album, which featured a series of classic rock covers reinterpreted with Santana’s signature guitar work and musical style.

José “Pepe” Jimenez

José “Pepe” Jimenez was a drummer for Santana from 2013 to 2015. While specific album contributions during his tenure are not detailed, Jimenez’s drumming would have been part of Santana’s live performances, adding to the band’s energetic and rhythmically complex sound.

Ray Greene

Ray Greene joined Santana in 2016, bringing his talents as a vocalist and trombonist to the band. His contributions have added a soulful and dynamic element to Santana’s music, blending seamlessly with the band’s fusion of rock, Latin, and jazz influences. Greene’s experience prior to joining Santana includes a tenure with Tower of Power, where he was celebrated for his powerful vocals and trombone skills. This background has allowed him to bring a unique blend of R&B, soul, and funk to Santana’s diverse musical palette.