Illustrated Book Focusing on Music of Carlos Santana Due
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Carlos Santana (Photo ©Jay Blakesberg; used with permission)
A new authorized book focusing on the vast musical output of an American legend, Carlos Santana: Love, Devotion, Surrender—The Illustrated Story of His Music Journey, is set for publication on March 11, 2025, from Insight Editions. The oversized hardcover book, which includes hundreds of photographs of the superstar guitarist—performance shots and candids—as well as memorabilia, guitars, posters and tickets, etc., was written by Best Classic Bands editor Jeff Tamarkin, and includes brand new interviews with Carlos himself, as well as others involved in his life and career. It’s available for pre-order in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.
Among those offering their thoughts and memories of Carlos are his drummer/wife Cindy Blackman Santana, and people involved in his career like record executive Clive Davis (who signed Santana to Columbia Records and then, later, Arista Records), fellow guitarist and collaborator John McLaughlin, former and present band members (Michael Carabello, Gregg Rolie, Michael Shrieve, Benny Rietveld, Karl Perazzo, Chester D. Thompson), as well as collaborators and admirers from various eras (Rob Thomas, Steve Miller, Taj Mahal, Narada Michael Walden, Juanes, Jorma Kaukonen, Rod Argent, guitar maker Paul Reed Smith, journalist Ben Fong-Torres and others).
From the publisher: “Take a journey through Carlos Santana’s legendary career, featuring rare photography and ephemera from Santana’s archive, documenting more than fifty years of his one-of-a-kind artistry, and his impact on the world of music.
“Carlos Santana, named one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists and one of the 100 Greatest Artists by Rolling Stone and dubbed as having a ‘bigger influence than Jimi Hendrix’ by Prince, has been an influential musician since his start in 1965. With numerous awards, including nearly a dozen Grammy Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, Santana has cemented his name in rock and roll history.
“Now, fans can follow Santana through his musical journey with this gorgeous retrospective book, featuring hundreds of pieces from his personal archives such as rare backstage and onstage photography, tour memorabilia, personal art and correspondence, awards, and photographs of old guitars. This is a collection as rare and unique as the music Santana creates, and one that fans will treasure.”
Love, Devotion, Surrender, written with the input of Carlos and his management, takes its title from the 1973 collaborative album featuring Carlos Santana and McLaughlin. The book is 336 pages and measures 11×15 inches. The cover of the book has not yet been revealed.
Author Tamarkin’s previous books include Got a Revolution! The Turbulent Flight of Jefferson Airplane and (as co-author) Shell Shocked with Turtles/Zappa singer Howard Kaylan.
Related: Our Album Rewind of Santana’s Abraxas album
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1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationI always enjoyed Santana’s music and thought he was a decent, though somewhat eccentric, and highly spiritual person. That’s why I was extremely disappointed to read some of his transphobic comments a few months ago. It’s sad to realize, once again, that even great musicians can be bigots.