Jorge Santana RIP 5/14/2020

Jorge Santana, famed original lead guitarist for Malo and brother of Carlos Santana died of natural causes on May 14th. He was 68 years old. Jorge was an important part of the formation of Malo, the seminal Latin Rock group that exploded into prominence with their top 20 hit Suavecito in 1971. Santana combined his distinctive lead guitar to the group’s explosive dual guitar sound with axe man Abel Zarate. Santana became Malo’s lead guitarist after Zarate left shortly after their first album’s release. Santana stayed with the original group releasing 3 more albums on Warner Brothers until they split up in 1974. Jorge was also the featured guitarist on the Fania All Stars “Latin Soul Rock” recording in 1973. That highly regarded album by these Salsa super stars included the legendary live recording of “El Raton” with vocalist Cheo Feliciano that featured a burning solo by Santana. Santana went on to form and record with several versions of the Jorge Santana band, collaborated with his brother Carlos on different recordings and live appearances and continued to make guest appearances with the reunited Malo. Jorge was still an active member of the music scene and was a featured special guest artist with Momotombo SF, a new group made up of former renowned Malo and Santana alumni. A well regarded and humble person, Jorge will be missed. My deepest condolences to the Santana family.

Photo: Jorge Santana performing with Santana, Shoreline Amphitheater, June 26, 2019. Photo by Luis Medina