Music Update: Carlos Santana’s Big (BIG!) Book of Life, Music, and Spirituality – A Journey Through Rhythm and Soul
Carlos Santana, the legendary guitarist known for fusing rock, Latin, jazz, and blues into a soul-stirring sound that has transcended generations, is opening up in a big way. In his newly released autobiography, Carlos Santana’s Big (BIG!) Book of Life, Music, and Spirituality, the Grammy-winning artist delves deep into the rhythm of his life, sharing personal stories, musical milestones, and a profound spiritual philosophy that has guided him through decades of stardom.
The book, described by critics as part memoir, part spiritual guide, and part music history, is anything but ordinary. With vivid storytelling and heartfelt reflections, Santana takes readers on an immersive journey—from his early days in Autlán de Navarro, Mexico, where he first fell in love with music, to the heights of global fame with his band Santana and timeless hits like “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va,” and “Smooth.”
But this isn’t just a rock star’s memoir. Santana, who has always been vocal about his spiritual beliefs and quest for enlightenment, uses the book as a platform to share his thoughts on the divine, the healing power of sound, and how music serves as a conduit for connection between the physical and spiritual realms. He frequently references what he calls the “Universal Tone”—a force he believes connects all human beings and serves as a reminder of our shared divinity.
In BIG! fashion, Santana doesn’t shy away from the personal. He opens up about childhood trauma, his struggle with addiction, and the challenges of maintaining faith and focus in the face of fame. He also recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his path, including his iconic 1969 performance at Woodstock, his collaboration with Clive Davis on the multi-platinum album Supernatural, and spiritual encounters with greats like John Coltrane and Miles Davis.
“People want to feel that they matter,” Santana writes. “And the music, when it’s honest and from the heart, tells them: You do.”
The book also features never-before-seen photos, journal entries, and annotated lyrics that give fans a deeper look into the creative process behind some of his greatest works. Whether he’s breaking down the mechanics of a solo or explaining the spiritual intention behind a chord progression, Santana manages to bring his readers into his sacred studio of the soul.
Carlos Santana’s Big (BIG!) Book of Life, Music, and Spirituality is more than a memoir—it’s a celebration of life, art, and the unseen energies that shape us. For longtime fans, spiritual seekers, and music lovers alike, this book offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the heart of a true musical mystic.
And as Santana himself would say: “It’s not just about playing the notes. It’s about lighting up the world with them.”
Have you listened to Santana lately or seen any of his recent interviews?