The Whole Story of Carlos Santana Wife Drummer Cindy Blackman, and Their 12-Year Marriage to His Former Wife The renowned guitarist wed Cindy Blackman in 2010 after 34 years of marriage to the former Deborah King. be aware of the ladies he wed, Carlos Santana
After being admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, July 5, following a concert in Detroit, Carlos Santana is doing well. According to reports, the legendary guitarist,74, had been playing his song “Joy” for 20 minutes when he passed out on stage. Setlist FM.
Two days after the event, his wife Cindy Blackman posted on social media, “Please know he is resting and doing great!” He was identified as having dehydration and heat exhaustion..
. The issue was caused by a lack of water because it was 100 degrees on stage and 114 degrees behind the lights.”
Carlos Santana Wife Drummer
Since 2010, Carlos Santana and Cindy Blackman have been joined in marriage.
Though he postponed the remaining July dates of his “Miraculous Supernatural” tour “out of an abundance of caution” due to a health concern, the artist is anticipated to make a complete recovery. “
Carlos Santana Wife Drummer is in good health and is eager to return to the stage shortly. The president of Universal Tone Management, Michael Vrionis, stated in a statement, “He just needs rest.”
“Santana is deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused by the postponement of his upcoming performances, but his health comes first.”
Goldberg argues in favor of Malia Obama’s renaming
Carlos intends to return soon to showcase his amazing guitar abilities to his admirers, with Cindy’s help. Meanwhile, let’s examine the lady who has been watching Carlos more closely—and the woman who watched him for more than 30 years in the past, Deborah King.
Deborah King
Deborah was born on January 30, 1951, and her father is renowned blues guitarist Saunders King. She earned a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Religion with a focus on Women’s Spirituality
from the California Institute of Integral Studies. Three children were born to the social justice campaigner and guitarist Carlos in 1973: Salvador, Stella, and Angelica.
Santana Carlos
From 1973 to 2007, Deborah King and Carlos Santana were wed.
Deborah, who had been married for 34 years, filed for divorce in 2007 on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. But in her 2005 memoir,
“Space Between the Stars,” Deborah accused her husband of being unfaithful, according to The Hollywood Reporter. In a statement following the book’s release, Carlos acknowledged his shortcomings and said,
“When I was not in my right mind and did something hurtful, I told her and my children honestly.” I apologized. It has encouraged me to strive harder to be the person she wants me to be and to be more modest.”
Cindy Blackman
The drummer was born on November 18, 1959, and raised in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Cindy attended the Hearst School of Music and Berklee College of Music before landing
a pivotal position in 1993 as Lenny Kravitz’s drummer. She went on to tour with him for eighteen years.
She got to know Carlos while on the road and they started performing together. In July 2010, he proposed to her live on stage during one of her shows because he was so smitten.
The pair wed at the Ritz-Carlton in Maui on December 19, 2010. At the time of the wedding, he told People, “Cindy embodies everything I am, from the fire of passion to the vulnerability.” “Everything tastes better when you share it with your spouse.”
What could be more romantic than a short, charming wedding in Las Vegas? Visitors to Sin City’s well-known Little White Wedding Chapel hail from all over the world, and some of the sexiest celebrities in Hollywood have exchanged vows in the desert.
While most eloped couples in Vegas don’t survive, not all of them do, some have endured over time.
Cindy Blackman: who is she? All the Information You Require about Carlos Santana’s Wife
The new NFL theme song features Snoop Dogg, Chris Stapleton, and the widow of renowned musician Carlos Santana.
Gittins, WilliamGittins, WilliamWillGitt
An all-new Monday Night Football anthem with Cindy Blackman
Twitter: Cindy Blackman Santana
Cindy Blackman, Carlos Santana’s drummer wife, undoubtedly appreciates music as much as he does.
In the spring of 2010, the 76-year-old guitarist saw Blackman perform live with her future spouse after first meeting her at a festival in Europe.
It is said that Santana was smitten with her right away and asked her to marry him on stage later that year. After Blackman concluded his drum solo, he made the proposition.
After 13 years of marriage, the couple is still performing together.
In the recently released documentary “Carlos,” guitar superstar Carlos Santana discusses his artistic process, spirituality, and his musical collaborations with his 13-year wife,
percussionist Cindy Blackman. He also explains why he refuses to be the “ghost on the jukebox.”
“A queen” was what Santana prayed God for.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer claimed he had longed for someone like Blackman to enter his life in a recent interview with People. After obtaining his divorce from Deborah King, his first wife, in 2007, Santana desired a lifelong partner.
“I needed a queen to come home and share this with me,” I murmured to God as I was meditating and conversing with Him. Since love is unconditional, I need to be loved in return. Love and develop beside me,'” Santana reminisced.
“And then, before I know it, Cindy appears. Cindy exuded confidence and walked like a lady from New York. I said, “Hey.”
It seems that the two’s shared love of music has been a major factor in their relationship; according to Santana, they frequently talk about Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix. Santana was more drawn to Blackman’s demeanor than anything else, though.
“I’ve always been fascinated by strong women because my mother was like that,” he stated. “The way [Cindy] looks at me, the way she touches me, it’s like she’s my best friend.”
Cindy Blackman’s involvement in music
The 63-year-old female drummer is one of the few women in the music business who have had a long and successful career playing percussion.
At the age of eleven, he joined at the Hartt School of Music, and at the age of fourteen, he was given his first set of professional drums.
After contributing to Wallace Roney’s CD “Verses” and Ted Curson’s “Jazz Stars of the Future,” she would start the most significant phase of her career.
On Tuesday, July 6, 2022, Carlos Santana passes out in front of the audience during a concert in Michigan.
The 74-year-old musician passed out in the middle of a tune while being observed by bystanders close to Detroit. Doctors were able to tend to Carlos on stage shortly after his fall.
The “Maria” singer once gestured to the crowd as he was leaving the stage, saying he was feeling better. Finally, a diagnosis of “heat exhaustion and mild dehydration” was made for Carlos.
Carlos’ manager, Michael Vrionis, said he was “fine” and was being treated at a hospital in Michigan. When Carlos, a native of San Francisco,
California, decided to go on a tour following more than 50 years in the music industry, there were worries about his health.
Many fans were more contemplative of Carlos Santana’s personal life as a result of this health concern. With whom is she now wed?
Carlos Santana at a performance, performing live on stage.
Who is the spouse of Carlos Santana? In the 1970s, he was married for the first time.
Carlos has worked on songs like “I Love You Too Much” and “Give Me Love,” so he has some experience with the topic.
He wed Deborah King Santana for the first time in 1973. In addition to being a writer, Deborah is described in her biography as “an advocate of peace, justice, equality, and inner joy.”
Apart from her literary achievements, Deborah served as Vice President and COO of Santana Management for many years, during which time she oversaw Carlos’s band.
Carlos and Deborah Santana during an awards ceremony event (from left to right).
After 34 years of marriage, Deborah filed for divorce from Carlos in 2007.
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Deborah called her husband “
unfaithful” in her 2005 biography, Space Between the Stars, despite the fact that he cited “irreconcilable differences”.
Carlos started dating Cindy Blackman after he accepted a position as her regular touring drummer following his divorce from Deborah.
Cindy, well-known for her collaborations with Lenny Kravitz, first met Carlos a few years prior, but their relationship deepened throughout their touring years.
Soon after, they fell in love, and in July 2010, at one of Carlos’ shows, he proposed to Cindy. Despite some rain that day, the pair wed at the Hawaii Ritz-Carlton in January 2011.
“Kindness is symbolized by the rain,” Cindy explained the meaning to People. “It couldn’t have been more beautiful.”
Cindy called him her “soulmate” on their wedding day, which gave Carlos another reason to believe he done a good job of marrying her.
“From the fire of passion to the vulnerability, Cindy embodies everything I am,” he adds. “Shareing everything with your spouse makes it taste better.”
Who are the offspring of Carlos Santana?
From his first marriage to Deborah, Carlos is the parent of three children: Stella, Angelica, and Salvador.
Two of his kids pursued careers in music, carrying on his artistic legacy. “Grammy Award-winning musician” is how Salvador describes himself on Instagram, and Stella’s page links to her audio and video work.
Regarding Angelica, she is a producer that contributed to movies such as Road to Ingwavuma (2008) and Dolores (2017).
Carlos is frequently spotted on his kids’ social media pages, despite the fact that he does not talk much about them.
He acknowledged them in public and accepted accountability for the errors that had harmed his family in 2005.
“I apologized sincesely to her and my children when I was not in my right mind and said something hurtful,” he stated. “It’s helped me be more humble and try harder to be the man she wants me to be.”
Cindy Blackman Santana is a gifted drummer with a range of styles that includes rock and jazz. Cindy is a sound innovator that leads bands and plays instruments
She is passionate in exploring movement and change as well as pushing the frontiers of creativity. She is renowned for the depth and richness of her melodies and rhythms as much as for the force of her emotive playing.
While some drummers react, others act. Some manage to make time, while others don’t. One of the few people who can accomplish it is Cindy Blackman Santana, according to Mike Zwerin of the International Herald Tribune.
From her early days as a busy street performer in New York City in the 1980s to the present, Cindy has been producing amazing musical moments and locations. 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. She was the drummer for Lenny Kravitz’s band from 1992 until 2007 and again in 2014 and 2015, during which time they played through many global tours and successful albums.
She participated in an all-star lineup that paid homage to Miles Davis’ landmark record “Bitches Brew” in 2010 at the San Francisco Jazz Festival and NYC Winter Jazzfest.
“I view playing as regulated freedom, and that’s precisely what you have in jazz.” “I adore it,” Cindy exclaims. “You are free to build upon the musical patterns even though you are aware of them.
You want to encourage each musician’s uniqueness and allow the music to develop and breathe. You may add color, texture, and moods as you go along. You can also let your imagination run wild and try something different.
Controlled freedom is an amazing discipline that demands intense concentration. This is the pinnacle of improvisational art.
Cindy has just started accompanying Santana on tour as their permanent drummer. When drummer Dennis Chambers had an earlier obligation in the spring of 2010, Cindy made her debut with Santana.
The two had met some years before at a festival in Europe while Cindy was on tour with Kravitz. “They have a great band vibe,” she remarks. Playing with men that have been together,
formed the sound together, and grown up together is fantastic.” “You may establish several layers of communication when that occurs. They did it, and I really like dealing with it.”
Off-stage, the bond created by the excitement on stage led to Carlos popping the question to Cindy at a July 2010 show, and they were married in December.
In the future, they’ll work together creatively on projects that will surely showcase their mutual love of improvisation and conviction in the transcendental quality of music.
Cindy adds, “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. “Carlos and I are aware that we are acting in that way.”
Cindy is still refining the addictive jazz-rock mix that she so masterfully manipulated on 2010’s Another Lifetime on her own.
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 All About Jazz review stated, “Jazz-rock as performed by Williams, and now Blackman, is very much alive and well. 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.” It was described as a “fire-breathing session” in the Guardian (UK) review, which also stated, “The Mad-Axeman guitars and bone-chilling drumming that invoke this genre are certainly present…
but Blackman gives it a more abstract tone.” “Balances it with a tonal splash of.”
“Everything about Tony’s game appealed to me. “He experimented with various organ configurations and tunings, changing the sound of the music numerous times,” recalls Cindy, who first encountered Williams as a teenager while playing drums close to her Connecticut home.
used to work at the shop’s clinic. “His attitude and bravery behind the kit was incredible, and his technique impeccable.”
Cindy was there in the New York session, which included Mike Stern, Doug Carn, Joe Lovano, and Benny Rietveld, and the LA session, which included Vernon Reed, Patrice Rushen, and David Santos.
Another Lifetime was recorded on both coasts.
Is Carlos Santana’s brother Cindy Blackman Santana?
Yes, Carlos Santana and Cindy Blackman Santana are related. They are now wed to one another.
Carlos Santana is a well-known guitarist, and Cindy Blackman Santana is a gifted drummer. Their union represents a strong bond between two musicians of various genres as well as a love partnership.
Cindy is a jazz musician, while Carlos is well-known for fusing Latin American music with rock and blues. Their collaboration in the music industry went beyond marriage, resulting in a tasteful fusion of their individual tastes.
Is Cindy Blackman and Carlos Santana still wed?
Yes, Carlos Santana and Cindy Blackman are still wed. Since their 2010 wedding, they have been a significant and enduring part of each other’s life.
Carlos Santana is a well-known guitarist who combines rock, blues, and Latin American music; Cindy Blackman Santana is a very skilled jazz drummer.
Their partnership not only symbolizes their affection for one another but also their love of music, as they have worked together on several musical endeavors and concerts.
Their partnership is happy and significant because, in addition to their shared love of music, they are involved in social engagement and philanthropy.
Carlos Santana: who is he?
Renowned Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana is well-known for fusing Latin American rhythms with rock
and blues. Originally from Mexico, he eventually relocated to California, where he rose to fame with his band, Santana, in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
His guitar playing was unique, and his music was well-liked by many. “Black Magic Woman” and “Smooth” are among Santana’s most well-known tracks.
Notable accolades for his work include a Grammy Award and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
People all throughout the world like Santana’s music, and he is regarded as one of the best guitarists of all time.
Complete Name
Carlos Santana Barragán, Humberto
Birthdate
July 20, 1947
location of birth
Mexico’s Otlan de Navarro, Jalisco
nationality
Mexican Americans
Principal Employment
Author and songwriter
Device
vocals and guitar
fashions
Jazz Fusion, Blues Rock, and Latin Rock
spouse
From 1973 to 2007, Deborah Santana and, since 2010, Cindy Blackman Santana
honor
Three Latin Grammy Awards and ten Grammy Awards
Carlos Santana’s age
At the moment, Carlos Santana is 76 years old. He was born in Mexico on July 20, 1947. American guitarist Santana is well-known for fusing Latin American jazz with rock in his work.
His band Santana, which performed a distinctive fusion of rock and Latin rhythms, helped him become well-known in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Career of Carlos Santana
Carlos Santana is a well-known composer and musician with a lengthy and diverse career. He was B.B.’s employee in the 1960s. He started out as a guitarist and was influenced by blues musicians like King and John Lee Hooker.
He joined with Columbia Records and started the Santana Blues Band in the late 1960s. When Santana’s band played at the renowned Woodstock Festival in 1969, it garnered a lot of attention.
Their mix of Latin, jazz, blues, and rock rhythms became their defining sound after their self-titled album, which was released the same year, became a smash. Santana’s music changed with time,
embracing jazz fusion and joint ventures with other musicians. When he released the album “Supernatural” in 1999, he had a huge return and took home several accolades, including multiple Grammys.
Carlos Santana’s estimated net worth
The estimated net worth of Carlos Santana is $120 million. He is a well-known artist who combines rock and Latin music styles. With his band Santana,
Santana started his career in the late 1960s, and his appearance at Woodstock in 1969 catapulted him into international stardom.
He has put out a number of successful singles and albums throughout the years, including as the nine-time Grammy Award-winning “Supernatural” and the number-one hits “Smooth” and “
Maria Maria”. Santana’s reputation as a guitar icon has been cemented by his distinctive fusion of blues, jazz, and Latin rhythms. In addition to his career in music, he published a memoir, started a restaurant, and made real estate investments, acquiring homes around the country.
Cindy Blackman: who is she?
American musician Cindy Blackman, better known by her stage name Cindy Blackman Santana, is renowned for her drumming prowess. On November 18, 1959, he was born in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
When Cindy was younger, she developed a deep affinity for the drums and joined the school band.
California, San Rafael. Carlos Santana, a guitarist, and his 34-year-old wife are divorcing, citing paperwork submitted to the Marin County Superior Court.
On October 19, Debora Santana, who had called her husband an unfaithful person in her 2005 biography, filed for divorce, citing irreversible differences.
Michael Jensen, Carlos Santana’s pracharak, stated that the matter is “a private case and no comment.”
According to the composer, he was aware of his marital faults.
“When I wasn’t feeling well and injured someone, I really apologized to her and my kids. After the memoir was released, Karlo Santana stated, “This has helped me become more humble and tried to make hard efforts as a man he wants to be me.”
as a spouse. Together, they established the non-profit Milgro Foundation, which helps underprivileged kids.
He said earlier this year that he intended to construct three Mexican eateries in the San Francisco Gulf neighborhood of Maria, Maria, Maria, and Maria.
Their three kids are two, seventeen, and twenty-two years old.
The finest music is created by drummer Cindy Blackman Santana and her husband, guitarist Carlos Santana, at the intersection of world music, jazz, rock, funk, and blues.
Give something to the drummer; this is undoubtedly the case with the most recent CDs released by this married musical duo.
Eight tracks by Cindy have Carlos leading the guitar and a few guest appearances by John McLaglin, a partner six-string player (and the man behind the great-scored orchestra). The album was made available on September 18th.
Before the album, Santanas stopped Jazizes Live Stream from recording a new album and talked about their intimate relationship with Miles Davis and John Coltraine.
Along with exchanging anecdotes about Woodstock, performing with Lenny Kravitz, meditating with Alice ColTron, and other experiences, Carlos and Cindy spoke with Brian Zimramanman, executive editor of Jaziz.
A portion of the conversation that has been condensed for length and clarity is shown below.
Jazziz: To start, how are things doing for everyone in this time of social calamity and lockdown?
Cindy Blackman Santana: Our performance is excellent. We spend a lot of time in meditation.
We spend a lot of time praying and listening to music as we pray inside. We also send healing energy out into the world to help those in need.
Jazziz: Cindy, is this your first record as the lead vocalist?
Cindy: Certainly. This occurred in a very methodical manner. I had not intended to sing so much on the first performance. And Carlos gave me that assurance. The tunes soon started to flow rather freely.
Jazziz: Carlos, this CD has eight tunes that are paintings of you. Given Cindy’s history in jazz—he has performed with a wide range of artists, including Faroa Sanders, Ron Carter, and Kenny Garat—did this
session feel more like a rock or jazz recording session?
Carlos: You know, I’ve never witnessed anything like this recording session before. It appears to be a swimming pool. This is not how I see things.
It like a lake to me. I inhaled deeply as I played with all of my heart, whatever it was. Jazz isn’t what Miles and Coltrane, and other musicians I like, call it. They refer to it as life. We act out life.
Jazziz: This album, Cindy, has a feature that I really enjoy: it re-unites you and Carlos with John McLaglin, who appears on a few of these tunes. What could one play beside a guitar virtuoso like that?
Cindy: You’re precisely right. He’s become so big now. And he is a wise man, not just when it comes to guitars but also music. Since then, their existence is educational because they have amassed a great deal of capability.
This record truly makes my affection for guitarists show through.
Jazziz: Carlos, tell me about Cindy’s response when you urged her to sing.
Carlos: All of this started with a weekend automobile trip from San Francisco to Napa. Every time we turn on the music, it’s the quintet of Miles, Wayne, Herb, Ron, and Tony.
Part of it is being sung by Cindy. Dang, that sounds amazing, I thought as I looked about. Apart from this, though, 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 advised him to include the song on his next CD. All I wanted to do was hope that I could tell him about that incident.
Because some individuals have the appearance of a sound… the strength of an earthquake, hurricane, or tornado, but in a good way; also, the language of light.
Jazziz: What is Cindy being listened to by Jazz?
Jazz music and Cindy are crystallizing in this specific past moment that we both have. It is the purpose, manner, and intention. An ancient proverb states, “There is nothing new under the sun.”
“If there is nothing new under the sun, then why does hell get out of bed?” was another thought I used to have. And after hearing from folks like Miles and Coltraine, I feel as like I am at a loss for words.
It’s impossible to enhance perfection, isn’t it? But then I consider 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 similar to broadcasting a sizable portion of the Ganges, a global paradise.
So it’s like, “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 continuously collaborate Were listening and simply in a state of perpetual amazement.
Jazziz: Cindy Carlos said, “I had a huge impact on you, Tony Williams.” When you first heard about Tony, tell me about it and how it affected your career and drumming.
Cindy: “You have to listen to this man if you want to become a drummer,” my childhood buddy told me. Taking me to his home, he played Tony Williams album. The record really got me.
AndIn Europe, it was a mile. The following day, I told everyone about this drummer named Tony Williams at school. I talk about him all the time.
A few of my pals 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, I’m quite curious. How has growing up in San Francisco changed the course of your music?
Carlos: Being in San Francisco, the epicenter of consciousness, light, and adventure, was truly a blessing. Since it was San Francisco, we were smoking meskline and taking acid while listening to music.
This man, this height. Additionally, you may hear the Doors, Jimmy Hendrix, Ravi Shankar, Charles Lloyd, and John Handy. You know, it was music that stunned the mind.
JazZiz: Who among your early mentors were they?
Well, Armando Paraja, the drummer, was undoubtedly a composer. He was a major inspiration to me. Not only did he teach me music, but so much more.
He gave me advice on how to handle commercial matters, such as royalty checks. He was the first to say to me, “Friend, you’re much more than just a guitar player.”
You have begun to see who makes reservations for hotels and planes, among other things.
Alice Colteran (left) and Carlos Santana
But Alice Colteran was the first person I met, and she offered me to stay at her place for a week or so. And he’ll keep on playing the piano from two in the morning till four, you know, Veena.
I also learnt how to be in a situation where one can truly quiet the “monkey mind” at this point. I recall staring at John Colatern who had two scoops of ice cream during a meditation. He continues, “Carlos, one.” You know, all of this is internal.
a view of the heavenly realm. And with this ice cream, I’m staring at him. Alice’s voice called out to me, “Thank you, John.” And I enjoy asking, “How can she know what is happening inside my meditation?” You know, because it is silent.
Thus, we engage in fiesta. And since I was under the influence—or, as I say, above the influence—of ayahuasca, mescaline, LSD, or whatever I took in front of a million people, I don’t really know what occurred.
It was astonishing that I could put it into words. Furthermore, until I watched the film they produced, I had no idea what had actually occurred on that stage. Naturally, I was astonished by it.
And I’m not even referring about the band or Santana’s performance. I am only referring to the object’s energy. To me, there was a certain energy that was everything.
Think of Sly Stone, for example. Even though he departed at 2:30 in the morning, the competition for fourth place included Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Sly, and everyone else.
Jazzys: Carlos talks about taking a risk by attending Woodstock instead of creating an album. When you were selected to play with Lenny Kravitz in the early 1990s, you also made a significant jump. In what way did you come to play with him?
This was a huge, enormous step. It all began with my excellent saxophonist friend Antoine Roney. One day, he contacted me and said he was discussing the need for a drummer with his friend Lenny. “
Who’s Lenny?” I then exclaimed. To be honest, I had no idea who Lenny Kravitz was.
“Oh, he’s the guy who married Lisa Bonet,” Antoine said. “Why didn’t he tell me he was a rock musician?” 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?” I replied in the affirmative. “Okay, can you play something?” he then requested. I then hung up and resumed playing.
He said, “I’m in L.A., can you get out of here right now?” When I attended, it was a formal audition. Approximately forty drummers participated in this audition. I also experienced jet lag.
I slept rather little last night. I was thrilled about the entire vacation. I then walked outside and curled up on the lawn chair to sleep.
His aide approaches me the next moment and says, “Oh, Lenny was looking for you.” It was almost time for your audition to begin.
I heard Lenny announce that the audition was ending as I hurried in and started playing. I’m heading over to get Cindy. He had, like, forty-eight other individuals waiting to try out.
Nevertheless, he prioritized my game. I therefore had two weeks or so to master every piece of music. Finally, we produced “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” which is perhaps one of my all-time favorite videos and the first one I ever worked on with that band.
Carlos, when did you meet John McLaughlin for the first time, Jazzys?
We were at the Fillmore in between two acts when this guy, who I later found out was B.B. King, grabbed me and asked, “Hey, dude, what are you doing now? Would you want to visit 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 adore that when I tell him yes. On the Wayne Shorter album Super Nova, he had performed alongside Sonny Sharrock.
After that, when we got to speak about John Coltrane and Bill Evans, we were inseparable. Our interests were similar.
I returned for another set and I have to say that, even though I have seen bands like Cream, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix perform live and loud, I
have never heard anything like the three that included Larry Young on organ, Tony Williams on drums, and John K. Also performing guitar.
Jazzys: Cindy, you played with trumpeter Wallace Roney in the 1980s; he was a real Miles follower. During that period, did you ever get the opportunity to meet Miles?
Cindy: I have so many amazing stories about Miles. Wallace and I really arrived in New York at around the same time, in the early 1980s. He was one of my musical heroes and he adored Miles.
Thus, we were attempting to locate Miles. After figuring out his residence in some way, we got in our car and headed over to Miles’ home.
We spent hours sitting in Wallace’s station wagon as I carried the letter I had written to Miles along with everything else. Because, you know, I wanted to play with him. So we did nothing except wait.
“Hey, do you think Miles is coming out 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?” in a voice reminiscent to Miles’. I delivered him the letter while shaking, and that was the last I heard about it.
But then I get a call from someone one day. And keep in mind, everyone in New York mimicked Miles’ voice since we all adored him at the time.
I’m thinking, “Who’s this dude?” when I answer a call and hear this rough voice on the other end of the line. Is that Garrett, Kenny? The speaker then adds, “This is Miles.”
That’s when I discovered that we never speak his name, not even when we mimic him. I began to perspire and became anxious with tremendous pleasure.
He disclosed to me his search for a drummer. Thus, he extended an invitation to me to reside in the Essex House on 59th Street. There, I passed out. Upon arriving, I noticed that the door was ajar.
Therefore, I changed my shoes in the lobby before he emerged around the corner. His flat was shaped like a circle.
He then approaches me from behind and says, “Come in.” You know, what a fantastic moment it was. I entered, took a seat, and we conversed about music for four or almost five hours.
He discussed Bird. He discussed Max Roach. He also mentioned how much he admired Tony Williams.
Jazzys: And you folks knew someone who knew Art Blakey?
Cindy: Since I looked after Art Blakey’s children, I did spend a lot of time with him. Miles shared my passion for painting. Miles seemed to transform into a small kid when I brought it up. “Do you want to talk to him?” I then asked.
since his phone number was with me. We phoned him, but Miles was unable to speak with Art since he was not at home. However, we didn’t stop chatting about anything—art, movies, you name it. That was undoubtedly one of the most amazing days of my life, in any lifetime.
Jazzys: When did you first get to know Miles, Carlos?
Tanglewood. Bill Graham then said, “Would you want to open for Miles Davis? 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 said, pulling out my large poster of him. Taking out his pen, he autographed the photo, writing, “For Carlos and the Greatest Band.” And I was taken aback.
I’ve played with many different musicians in several bands. And believe me when I say that nothing compares to Miles Davis’s simple gaze.
Man, those eyes. He was a really good man. He constantly made the extra effort to confirm my existence. He instilled trust in me.
Because I’ll always think, “Well, Miles likes me, so I don’t care what anyone else thinks,” regardless of what other people think of me.
Jazzys: In what ways do you want his legacy to live on?
Carlos: I’ve discussed this with Cindy. A Miles & Coltrane-only boutique in Manhattan would be amazing.
As soon as you enter, you can hear their instruments, enjoy the music, and observe their attire. Look, they even have storefronts selling sneakers and headphones.
Why don’t Miles and Coltrane receive the same treatment? similar to a museum. They are just as significant as the geniuses Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Einstein, and Tesla. And our thoughts on Miles and Coltrane are exactly the same. Ik n
Jazzys: I appreciate you both being here.
Carlos and Cindy: I’m grateful. It was exquisite.
