The Complete Account of Cindy Blackman, Carlos Santana Wife Age and Their Twelve-Year Marriage to His Previous Wife
The well-known musician, who had been married to Deborah King for 34 years, divorced her and married Cindy Blackman in 2010. Among the women he married, Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana is doing well in the hospital
having been admitted on Tuesday, July 5, after attending a concert in Detroit. The renowned guitarist,74, reportedly fell out on stage after performing his tune “Joy” for 20 minutes.
Setlist FM. His wife Cindy Blackman wrote on social media two days following the event, “Please know he is resting and doing great!” He was diagnosed with heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Because it was 114 degrees under the lights and 100 degrees on stage, the problem was brought on by a shortage of water.”
Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana and Cindy Blackman have been married since 2010.
The singer is expected to fully recover, despite having to postpone the remaining July dates of his “Miraculous Supernatural” tour “out of an abundance of caution” owing to a health issue.
“Carlos is in good health and is eager to return to the stage shortly,” the statement reads. The statement from Michael Vrionis, president of Universal Tone Management, said, “He just needs rest.”
It further said, “Santana is deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused by the postponement of his upcoming performances, but his health comes first.”
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With Cindy’s assistance, Carlos plans to return soon to entertain his admirers with a demonstration of his incredible guitar skills.
In the meanwhile, let’s take a closer look at Deborah King, the woman who has been keeping a closer eye on Carlos for more than 30 years.
Deborah King
Deborah was born on January 30, 1951, and her father, Saunders King, is a well-known blues guitarist. She graduated from the California Institute of Integral Studies with a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Religion with a concentration in Women’s Spirituality.
Carlos, a guitarist and social justice activist, gave birth to three children in 1973: Stella, Angelica, and Salvador.
Carlos Santana
Deborah King and Carlos Santana were married from 1973 till 2007.
Deborah filed for divorce in 2007 citing irreconcilable differences after 34 years of marriage. However, Deborah charged her spouse of infidelity in her 2005 memoir, “Space Between the Stars,
as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Carlos expressed regret for his actions and added, “When I was not in my right mind and did something hurtful, I told her and my children honestly.”
I apologized in a statement that was made after the book was published. It has inspired me to work more and be more modest in order to become the person she wants me to be.”
Cindy Blackman
Cindy was up in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and was born on November 18, 1959.
She attended the Hearst School of Music and Berklee College of Music before becoming an important member of Lenny Kravitz’s drum corps in 1993, and the two went on to travel together for eighteen years.
She met Carlos while traveling and they began performing together. In July 2010, he proposed to her live on stage at one of her performances because he was so enamored.
On December 19, 2010, the couple celebrated their marriage at the Ritz-Carlton in Maui. At the wedding, he told People, “Everything tastes better when you share it with your spouse.”
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Carlos Santana’s wife, Cindy Blackman, is a drummer, so she definitely loves music as much as he does.
The 76-year-old guitarist met Blackman at a European event and heard her sing live with her future husband in the spring of 2010.
Following the conclusion of Blackman’s drum solo, Santana reportedly proposed to her on stage later that year, saying that she fell in love with him immediately. The couple has been married for 13 years and continues to tour together.
Guitar legend Carlos Santana talks about his creative process, spirituality, and his musical collaborations with his 13-year wife, percussionist Cindy Blackman, in the recently released documentary “Carlos.” He also explains why he declines to be the “ghost on the jukebox.”
What Santana asked to God for was “a queen”.
In a recent interview with People, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer stated that, since getting divorced from his first wife, Deborah King, in 2007, he has yearned for someone like Blackman to join his life.
I was thinking and talking to God when I spoke to Him, “I needed a queen to come home and share this with me. Since love is unconditional, I need to be loved in return. Love and develop beside me,” Santana recalled.
“And suddenly, before I know it, Cindy comes. Cindy oozed confidence and moved like a girl from New York. I responded, “Hey.”
Though Santana was more captivated to Blackman’s personality than anything else, it appears that their mutual love of music has played a significant role in their relationship; they often discuss Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix.
“I’ve always been fascinated by strong women because my mother was like that,” he said. “The way [Cindy] looks at me, the way she touches me, it’s like she’s my best friend.”
Cindy Blackman’s musical career
The 63-year-old female drummer attended the Hartt School of Music at the age of eleven, and at fourteen, he received his first set of professional drums.
She is one of the few women in the music industry to have had a lengthy and successful career playing percussion.
She would begin the most important period of her career after contributing to Ted Curson’s “Jazz Stars of the Future” and Wallace Roney’s “Verses” CD.
The 74-year-old musician passed out in the middle of a song while being watched by onlookers near Detroit on Tuesday, July 6, 2022.
Carlos was able to receive medical attention on stage shortly after his fall; the “Maria” singer once gestured to the audience as he was leaving the stage, saying he was feeling better.
Eventually, a diagnosis of “heat exhaustion and mild dehydration” was made for Carlos.
Carlos, a native of San Francisco, California, chose to embark on a tour after more than 50 years in the music business, raising concerns about his health, but his manager, Michael Vrionis, said he was “fine” and receiving treatment at a facility in Michigan.
Because of this health issue, many fans were more thoughtful about Carlos Santana’s private life. Who is she now married to?
Carlos Santana on stage, doing a live performance.
Who is Carlos Santana’s wife? He was married for the first time in the 1970s.
Carlos has written songs like “I Love You Too Much” and “Give Me Love,” so he has some experience with the subject. He married Deborah King Santana in 1973; aside from being a writer,
Deborah’s biography calls her “an advocate of peace, justice, equality, and inner joy.” Deborah also held positions as Vice President and COO of Santana Management for a long time, during which she managed Carlos’s band.
Deborah Santana and Carlos at an awards presentation (left to right).
The source is Getty Images.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Deborah dubbed her husband “unfaithful” in her 2005 book,
Space Between the Stars, even though he claimed to have “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their divorce, after 34 years of marriage.
After Carlos’s divorce with Deborah, he got a job as her regular touring drummer, and the two became romantically involved. Although Cindy and Carlos had met a few years earlier, their relationship grew during their touring years.
They fell in love soon after, and in July 2010, at one of Carlos’ gigs, he proposed to Cindy. That day, they were married at the Hawaii Ritz-Carlton in January 2011, despite the rain.
“The rain is a symbol of kindness,” Cindy told People, adding, “It couldn’t have been more beautiful.”
Carlos was further encouraged to think he had done a wonderful job of marrying Cindy when she referred to him as her “soulmate” on their wedding day.
“From the fire of passion to the vulnerability, Cindy embodies everything I am,” he continues. “Shareing everything with your spouse makes it taste better.”
Who are Carlos Santana’s children?
Carlos is the father of three children from his first marriage to Deborah: Stella, Angelica, and Salvador.
Two of his children went on to become musicians, continuing his artistic legacy. Salvador calls himself a “Instagram musician,” and Stella’s page features links to her music and videos.
As for Angelica, she is a producer who worked on films like Dolores (2017) and Road to Ingwavuma (2008).
Even though he does not discuss them much, Carlos is often seen on his children’s social media profiles.
In 2005, he publicly recognized them and took responsibility for the mistakes that had hurt his family.
“I apologized sincerely to her and my children when I was not in my right mind and said something hurtful,”
he added. “It’s helped me be more humble and try harder to be the man she wants me to be.”
In addition to being a sound innovator who leads bands and plays instruments, Cindy Blackman Santana is a gifted drummer who has a variety of styles, including rock and jazz. She is known for her emotive playing as well as the depth and richness of her melodies and rhythms.
Some drummers react, while others act. Some drummers manage to make time, while others don’t. Cindy Blackman Santana is one of the few who can accomplish it, according to Mike Zwerin of the International Herald Tribune.
The drummer for Lenny Kravitz’s band from 1992 until 2007 and again in 2014 and 2015, during which time they played through numerous global tours and successful albums,
Cindy has been creating amazing musical moments and locations since her early days as a busy street performer in New York City in the 1980s. She tours the globe and produces critically praised records in addition to her highly successful albums (2010) A Different Lifetime.
He has performed and recorded with Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Bill Laswell, Joss Stone, Joe Henderson, Buckethead, Don Pullen, and Hugh Masakela in addition to his own ensemble, Other Lifetimes.
has performed on tour and in recordings with musicians including Angela Bofill.
“I love jazz. You are free to build upon the musical patterns even though you are aware of them,” Cindy says. “I view playing as regulated freedom, and that’s precisely what you have in jazz.”
Encourage the individuality of every performer and give the music room to grow and breathe.
As you work, feel free to add more color, texture, and moods. You may also experiment and let your creativity run wild.
Controlled freedom is a wonderful discipline that requires a great deal of focus. The height of improvised art is this.
Cindy has recently begun touring with Santana as their permanent drummer. Cindy made her Santana debut in the spring of 2010 since drummer Dennis Chambers had an earlier commitment.
A European event was where the two first met some years prior, when Cindy was on a tour with Kravitz. She says, “They have a great band vibe.” It’s great to play with men who have grown up together, built the sound together, and been together for a long time. When that happens,
you can build several layers of communication.” They completed the task, and I truly like handling it.”
“Carlos and I are aware that we are acting in that way,” adds Cindy. “Music is a very spiritual medium for me; it helps me communicate with the universe and my higher self.”
Millions of others can also be reached by sharing the light via it. They don’t have to reside in the same area as you, speak the same language, or have the same values. Music has the power to communicate, to spread positive energy, and to transform people’s lives.
Off-stage, the bond created by the excitement on stage led to Carlos popping the question to Cindy at a July 2010 show. They were married in December.
The All About Jazz review stated, “Jazz-rock as performed by Williams, and now Blackman, is very much alive and well.” Cindy is still honing the addictive jazz-rock mix that she so deftly manipulated on her own with 2010’s Another Lifetime.
The CD, an homage to her mentor, the late great drummer Tony Williams, is a tour de force that includes three of Cindy’s original compositions in addition to reworkings of eight songs from her 1970s ensemble Lifetime.
“The Mad-Axeman guitars and bone-chilling drumming that invoke this genre are certainly present.
Blackman’s sonic explorations take jazz-rock beyond where the late drummer imagined it when he got into bed with guitarist John McLaughlin,
bassist Jack Bruce, and organist Larry Young.” The Guardian (UK) review called it a “fire-breathing session.” “Balances it with a tonal splash of,” yet Blackman gives it a more abstract tone.
“He experimented with different organ configurations and tunings, changing the sound of the music numerous times,” says Cindy, who first saw Williams perform as a teenager while playing drums near to her Connecticut home.
“Everything about Tony’s game appealed to me.” formerly worked in the clinic of the shop. Cindy attended the New York session with Mike Stern, Doug Carn, Joe Lovano, and Benny Rietveld, as well as the LA session with Vernon Reed, Patrice Rushen, and David Santos.
“His attitude and bravery behind the kit was incredible, and his technique impeccable.” There were records of another lifetime on both coasts.
Is Cindy Blackman, the brother of Carlos Santana, a Santana?
Cindy Blackman Santana and Carlos Santana are related, yes. They are now joined in marriage. Cindy Blackman Santana is a talented drummer, and Carlos Santana is a well-known guitarist.
Their coupling symbolizes both a romantic connection and a deep affinity between two musicians of different genres.
While Carlos is well-known for combining Latin American music with rock and blues, Cindy is a jazz performer. Their professional partnership transcended matrimony, producing a sophisticated amalgamation of their distinct preferences.
Are Carlos Santana and Cindy Blackman still married?
Yes, Cindy Blackman and Carlos Santana are still married. They have been an important and enduring part of each other’s lives since their 2010 wedding.
Famous guitarist Carlos Santana blends rock, blues, and Latin American music; jazz drummer Cindy Blackman Santana is an exceptional player.
As they have collaborated on several musical projects and performances, their relationship represents their love of music as well as their devotion for one another.
Their joyful and meaningful connection stems from their common love of music as well as their involvement in charity and social activism.
Who is Carlos Santana?
Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana is well-known for blending rock and blues with rhythms from Latin America. He was born in Mexico and later moved to California, where he became well-known in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana.
Many people like his music, and he had a distinctive style of playing the guitar. “Smooth” and “Black Magic Woman” are two of Santana’s best-known songs.
His work has earned him notable recognition, including as a Grammy Award and admission into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Santana’s music appeals to listeners worldwide, and he is considered as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Full Name
Carlos Santana Wife Age
Humberto Santana Barragán, Carlos Santana
Date of Birth
July 20, 1947
place of birth
Otlan de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico
nationality
Mexican Americans
Principal Work
Writer and composer
gadget
guitar and vocals
styles
Latin Rock, Blues Rock, and Jazz Fusion
spouse
Deborah Santana (1973–2007) and Cindy Blackman Santana (2010)
respect
Ten Grammy Awards, three Latin Grammy Awards
Age of Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana is seventy-six years old right now. He was born on July 20, 1947, in Mexico. American guitarist Santana is renowned for his ability to blend rock with Latin American jazz in his compositions.
His band Santana contributed to his rise to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with their unique blend of rock and Latin rhythms. Carlos Santana’s Career
Famous musician and composer Carlos Santana has a long and varied career. He worked for B.B. in the early 1960s.
He began as a guitarist and was influenced by John Lee Hooker and Albert King, two blues performers. In the late 1960s, he signed on with Columbia Records and formed the Santana Blues Band.
Santana’s band attracted a lot of notice when they performed at the legendary Woodstock Festival in 1969.
its self-titled album, which was released the same year, became a major hit, and its fusion of Latin, jazz, blues, and rock rhythms established their signature sound. Over time, Santana’s music evolved to incorporate jazz fusion and collaborations with other artists.
His 1999 album “Supernatural” was a significant comeback for him, and he won several awards, including multiple Grammys.
Carlos Santana’s approximate wealth
Carlos Santana is thought to be worth $120 million. He is a well-known musician who blends Latin and rock influences. Santana began his career in the late 1960s with his band Santana.
His presence at Woodstock in 1969 launched him into global recognition.
Over the years, he has released several popular singles and albums, including as the nine-time Grammy Award-winning “Supernatural” and the number-one hits “Smooth” and “Maria Maria”.
Santana’s unique blend of Latin rhythms, jazz, and blues has solidified his status as a guitar superstar. Apart from his musical career, he also wrote a book, opened a restaurant, and made real estate investments, buying houses all across the nation.
Who is Cindy Blackman?
Drummer Cindy Blackman, an American musician, is well-known for her work under the stage name Cindy Blackman Santana. He was born in Yellow Springs, Ohio on November 18, 1959.
When Cindy was younger, she joined the school band because she had a strong passion for the drums.
San Rafael, California. Guitarist Carlos Santana and his 34-year-old spouse are divorcing, according to documents filed with the Marin County Superior Court.
Debora Santana filed for divorce on October 19, claiming irreconcilable differences. In her 2005 biography, Santana had termed her spouse an unfaithful person.
Carlos Santana’s pracharak, Michael Jensen, said the situation is “a private case and no comment.”
The composer claimed that he was conscious of his shortcomings as a husband.
Following the publication of the memoir, Karlo Santana said, “This has helped me become more humble and tried to make hard efforts as a man he wants to be me.”
“When I wasn’t feeling well and injured someone, I really apologized to her and my kids.”
as a husband. They co-founded the charitable Milgro Foundation, which assists disadvantaged children.
Earlier in the year, he declared his intention to build three Mexican restaurants in the San Francisco Gulf area called Maria, Maria, Maria, and Maria.
The ages of their three children are twenty-two, seventeen, and two.
At the nexus of world music, jazz, rock, funk, and blues, drummer Cindy Blackman Santana and her husband, guitarist Carlos Santana, produce some of the best music.
This is certainly the case with the latest CDs from this married musical couple: eight tracks featuring Carlos leading the guitar, with a couple of guest appearances by partner six-string player
(and the man behind the great-scored orchestra), John McLaglin. The album was released on September 18th.
A portion of the conversation, which has been condensed for length and clarity, is shown below. Prior to the album, Santanas stopped Jazizes Live Stream from recording a new album and discussed their close relationship with Miles Davis and John Coltraine.
Carlos and Cindy also spoke with Brian Zimramanman, executive editor of Jaziz, sharing stories about Woodstock, performing with Lenny Kravitz, meditating with Alice ColTron, and other experiences.
Jazziz: Let me start by asking how everyone is faring during this period of social unrest and lockdown.
Cindy Blackman Santana: We have a great performance. We meditate a lot, pray a lot, and listen to music as we pray. We also send healing energy out into the world to assist others who are in need.
Jazziz: Cindy, is this the lead vocals on this record for the first time?
Cindy: Yes, exactly. Everything happened quite methodically. I didn’t want to sing too much on the first performance, and Carlos reassured me of that. The songs started to come pretty naturally.
Jazziz: Carlos, this CD features eight songs that are like paintings of you. Did this recording session feel more like a rock or jazz recording session, given Cindy’s
background in jazz—he has performed with a variety of musicians, such as Faroa Sanders, Ron Carter, and Kenny Garat?
Carlos: You know, I’ve never seen a recording session like this one before. It looks like a swimming pool. This isn’t how I see things. I felt like I was breathing deeply while I played, whatever it was.
Miles and Coltrane and other musicians I like don’t call it jazz; they call it life. We live out life.
Jazziz: One thing I particularly appreciate about this album, Cindy, is that it features John McLaglin, who plays on a couple of these songs, reuniting you and Carlos. What could one perform with a guitar genius like him?
Cindy: You’re exactly correct. He’s grown so much since then. He’s a smart man, not only about guitars but about music. Their existence has become instructive because they’ve accumulated a lot of talent. This record really shows how much I love guitarists.
Jazziz: Carlos, tell me what happened when you asked Cindy to sing.
Carlos: It all began with a weekend road trip from San Francisco to Napa. Whenever we turn on the music, it’s the quintet of Miles, Wayne, Herb, Ron, and Tony. Cindy sings a part of it.
Wow, that sounds so good, I thought as I looked around. But aside from that, what surprises me is what I hear in his voice—you know, like he’s singing like a diamond baby. And you have a beautiful voice; I don’t mean to press or intrude.
Time in your voice, wood in your voice. I also suggested that he include the song on his next CD. All I wanted to do was hope that I could tell him about that incident.
Because some people have the appearance of a sound—the strength of an earthquake, hurricane, or tornado, but in a positive way; additionally, the language of light.
Jazziz: What is Jazz listening to that Cindy is not?
There is a saying that goes, “There is nothing new under the sun.” If that’s the case, then why does hell get out of bed? Cindy and jazz music are crystallizing in this particular past moment that we both share.
It’s the purpose, method, and aim.Another thought I used to have was, “Oh, what is this, man?” when I listen to jazz. We have a burning desire to learn the unknown and a curious nature that makes us unique.
What’s up with Cindy, too? We constantly collaborate Were listening and simply in a state of perpetual amazement. Then I think about jazz, where our prediction must include a musician who is unknown.
That’s why I find it so disturbing when I witness someone like Keith Geratte sitting at a piano with an empty head. It’s like broadcasting a significant portion of the Ganges, a global paradise.
Jazziz: When you first heard about Tony Williams, tell me about it and how it influenced your career and drumming. Cindy Carlos stated, “I had a huge impact on you, Tony Williams.”
Cindy: “This guy is the man you have to listen to if you want to be a drummer.” My childhood friend took me to his house, where he played me the Tony Williams album. I was immediately captivated by the record; in Europe, it was a mile.
The next day, I told everyone at school about this Tony Williams drummer. I talk about him all the time. Some of my friends then said, “Oh, you know that he is going to clinic on Sunday?” after nearly a week had passed.
I then pleaded with my mum to get me a ticket. She then went off with me. And Tony blew me away with the opening note. My socks were blown off by him. It was just so amazing, really.
First and foremost, his voice was incredible, as was the manner he sat behind the drum. Observing your stature above the drums. Considering how he murders them, it is clear that he was not acting. He entered a another universe when he sat down to play.
I recall that when Star Wars came out, everyone of my friends were excited to watch it. And I thought, “No, I’d have to practice playing the drums.” How much I was inspired by Tony.
Jazziz: Carlos, tell me about how being raised in San Francisco affected the direction of your music.
Carlos: It was a true blessing to be in San Francisco, the center of consciousness, light, and adventure. We were dozing off on meskline and acid because it was San Francisco, and we were listening to music
—you may hear the Doors, Jimmy Hendrix, Ravi Shankar, Charles Lloyd, and John Handy—that just blew our minds.
JazZiz: Who were your early role models?
As for the drummer, Armando Paraja, he was certainly a composer. He was also a huge inspiration to me. He taught me music, of course, but he also taught me a lot more.
He was the first to tell me, “Friend, you’re much more than just a guitar player.” You have started to notice who books hotels and flights, among other things.
Carlos Santana (left) and Alice Colteran
But the first person I met was Alice Colteran, who invited me to stay at her place for about a week.
And he’ll keep playing the piano from two in the morning until four, you know, Veena. At this point, I also learned how to be in a situation where one can truly quiet the “monkey mind.” I remember staring at John Colatern during a meditation, and he continued, “Carlos, one.”
You know, all of this is internal. It’s like a view of the heavenly realm. And while I was staring at him, Alice’s voice called out to me, “Thank you, John.”
I enjoyed asking, “How can she know what is happening inside my meditation?You are aware of it since it is quiet.
So we have fiesta. And since I was high on ayahuasca, mescaline, LSD, or whatever I took in front of a million people, I’m not really sure what happened, though it was amazing that I could describe it.
Besides, I had no idea what had really happened on that stage until I saw the movie they made. Of course, I was shocked by it. And I’m not even talking about the band or Santana’s performance; I’m just talking about the energy of the object.
To me, there was a certain energy that was everything. Take Sly Stone, for example. He left at 2:30 in the morning, but still, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Sly, and everybody else were in the race for fourth place.
Jazzys: Carlos talks about taking a chance by going to Woodstock rather than recording an album. You also made a big leap when you were chosen to perform with Lenny Kravitz in the early 1990s. How did it happen?
This was a monumental move. It started with my great buddy Antoine Roney, a saxophone. He told me one day that he and his friend Lenny were talking about how they needed a drummer. “Who’s Lenny?Then I exclaimed, not really knowing who Lenny Kravitz was, to be honest.
“Well, that’s the man who wed Lisa Bonet,” Antoine said. “How come he never told me he was a rock star?” is what I’m thinking back on. In any case, Antoine informed me that Lenny had feelings for Miles. And I just had the idea to walk out and meet her. Nevertheless, a few months pass and I receive very little communication.
Then Lenny answers my phone and asks, “Do you have drums in your apartment?In the affirmative, I said. “All right, are you able to play something?I hung up and started playing again, then he asked.
“I’m in L.A., can you please leave now,” he said.It was a formal audition, with about forty drummers showing up. I was also suffering from jet lag, so I didn’t get much sleep the night before, but I was excited about the whole trip.
After that, I went outside and curled up on the lawn chair to sleep, and his assistant came over to say, “Oh, Lenny was looking for you.” It was almost time for your audition to start.
As I rushed in and began to play, I heard Lenny announce that the audition was about to end. I’m going to get Cindy. He had, like, forty-eight other people waiting to try out. Still, he prioritized my game, so I had about two weeks to get every song down pat. Eventually,
we produced “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” which is probably one of my favorite videos ever and the first one I ever worked on with that band.
Carlos, Jazzys, when was the first time you met John McLaughlin?
This guy, who I subsequently found out was B.B. King, stopped me at the Fillmore in between two acts and said, “Hey, dude, what are you doing now?” Are you interested in going to the Slugs? Over there, Tony Williams is performing.
” We boarded a cab and entered the place, where the music was blasting and the atmosphere was electric. I started to look like an astronaut taking off from Earth. After the set concludes and they take a break, John McLaughlin exits the stage and approaches me directly.
Then he takes hold of my arms, ushers me outdoors, and asks, “Santana, okay?And I love it when I say yes to him. He had played with Sonny Sharrock on the Wayne Shorter record Super Nova. When we talked about John Coltrane and Bill Evans, we clicked.
Our interests were comparable.
I went back for a second performance and I have to say that, for all my live and loud experiences seeing bands like Cream, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix, I have never heard anything like the three that featured John K. on guitar, Tony Williams on drums, and Larry Young on organ.
Jazzys: Cindy, you performed with trumpeter Wallace Roney in the 1980s; he was a true Miles fan. Did you ever get the chance to meet Miles at that time?
Cindy: There are so many incredible stories I could tell about Miles. Wallace and I actually came to New York around the same time, in the early eighties.
He was one of my favorite musicians, and he loved Miles. So we were trying to find Miles. Somehow, we got into our car and drove to his place.
We sat in Wallace’s station wagon for hours, me carrying the letter I had written to Miles and everything else. I wanted to play with him, so we did nothing but wait.
“Hey, are you expecting Miles to be released soon?” I eventually remarked to the concierge. And Miles had just placed an order for his automobile, the concierge informed me.
Upon witnessing Miles emerge, I hurriedly approached him and introduced myself as Cindy Blackman. With you, I want to play the drums. And he just says, “
Yeah?I gave him the letter while trembling, and that was the last I heard about it. “in a voice reminiscent of Miles’.”
However, one day I got a call from someone, and remember, we all loved Miles at the time, so everyone in New York was imitating his voice. I’m wondering, “Who’s this dude?I started to sweat and was really excited.
“then I take a phone and hear this harsh voice on the other end of the line. Is that Garrett, Kenny? The speaker then adds, “This is Miles.” That’s when I found that we never mention his name, not even when we impersonate him.
He told me that he was looking for a drummer, so he invited me to live at the Essex House on 59th Street. I went to sleep there; I found the door to be open, so I changed my shoes in the lobby before he came out of the corner.
His apartment was a circle, and he came up to me from behind and said, “Come in.” You know, what a great time it was; I went in, had a seat, and we talked about music for four or nearly five hours.
He talked about Bird, he talked about Max Roach, and he told me how much he liked Tony Williams.
Jazzys: And someone you guys know was acquainted with Art Blakey?
Cindy: Miles shared my enthusiasm for painting, and when I brought it up to him, he appeared to turn into a young child. I did spend a lot of time with Art Blakey since I looked after his kids.
We called him, but Miles was unable to talk with Art since he was not at home. Nevertheless, we didn’t stop conversing about anything—art, movies, you name it. That was definitely one of the most fantastic days of my life, in any lifetime. “I then asked. because his phone number was with me.
Jazzys: Carlos, when did you first meet Miles?
Bill Graham then said, “Would you want to open for Miles Davis at Tanglewood? Alright, I’ll complete it.” Like Clive Davis, Bill too had a natural ability to perform things that I was unaware of.
Thus, he puts together this program with Miles Davis, The Voice of East Harlem, and Santana. And this yellow Lamborghini appears to be driven by Miles Davis. Furthermore, it’s likely that Bill Graham had previously informed him that I was an extreme fan of Miles Davis.
So he came right up to me and gave me this present. And from that point on, we grew close. “Miles, would you be so kind as to sign it for me?I was surprised when he signed the picture, writing “For Carlos and the Greatest Band,” with his pen after I had pulled out my giant poster of him.
I have performed with a wide range of musicians in multiple bands, and trust me when I say that nothing can match the unassuming look in Miles Davis’s eyes.
Man, those eyes! He was a truly wonderful man who always went above and beyond to verify my existence and instill confidence in me. Because of this, no matter what other people think of me, I will always think, “Well, Miles likes me, so I don’t care what they think.”
Jazzys: How would you like his legacy to continue?
Carlos: Cindy and I have talked about this. It would be fantastic to have a Miles & Coltrane-only boutique in Manhattan where you could hear their instruments, take in the music, and see their clothes. Look, they even have stores selling sneakers and headphones.
Why don’t Miles and Coltrane get the same treatment as the great minds of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Einstein, and Tesla? Our opinions of Miles and Coltrane are exactly the same.
Jazzys: Thank you for coming, you two.
Carlos and Cindy: Thank you. That was very wonderful.
