Carlos Santana

The Mexican guitarist with 10 GRAMMY Awards

Carlos Santana is so famous that he even has his own line of shoes! No, seriously.

How did he become famous enough to sell shoes? He is not the most talented guitarist in the world, but both he and his music have BIG personality. His great stage presence, lively performance and powerful riffs have won him loyal fans throughout his career lasting more than 5 decades.

As for his Mexican roots, he was commended for spreading the culture & tradition of Mexico to all continents by the Comite Mexicano Civico Patriotico of San Francisco Commendation in 1987.

Here are a few details about the rockin' guitarrista -

Born: July 20 1947 in Autlan de Navarro, Mexico

Musical genes: his father José was a Mariachi violinist (Carlos learnt violin from 5 years old, only taking up the guitar after moving to Tijuana in 1955)

Musical heroes: John Lee Hooker, T. Bone Walker, and B.B. King

Music style: rock, jazz, blues, soul, Latin, world music (including Caribbean)

Most successful album: Supernatural (1999) with more than 25 million copies sold worldwide. It was officially certified ‘Dectillion Platinum’ - Diamond Status, by the R.I.A.A.

Next tour: May 27 to June 4 2009 at The Joint in Las Vegas

Charity work: The Milagro Foundation, a charity for children's welfare, was founded in 1998 by Carlos and his wife Deborah). Santana is also a member of ANSA (Artists for New South Africa), who's focus is on a solution to the AIDS pandemic.

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