The intimate and long-awaited memoir of guitar legend Carlos Santana.

In 1967 at San Francisco’s Fillmore Auditorium, a young guitarist played a blistering solo that announced a prodigious talent. Two years later he played a historic set at Woodstock, and the world came to know Carlos Santana by name.

THE UNIVERSAL TONE is a tale of musical self-determination and self-discovery. It traces his journey from his teen days playing in Tijuana, and the establishment of his signature guitar sound; his roles as husband, father and rock star; and his recording of some of the most influential rock albums of all time, up to and beyond the sensational SUPERNATURAL, which garnered nine Grammy awards. The book abounds with a fearlessness that finds humour in the world of high-flying fame, speaks plainly of personal revelations, and celebrates the divine and infinite possibility Santana sees in each person he meets.

Reviews

Santana's journey from obscurity and abject poverty to affluence and superstardom is expressed eloquently via an informal conversational style that captures the cadences of his speaking voice ... there's plenty of humour - and tales of rock 'n' roll excess - to offset any overriding sense of sobriety
Charles Waring, MOJO
[A] testament to [Carlos Santana's] geniality.
NEW STATESMAN
Once you start to explore his life, you will not be able to put the book down
THE BEAT MAGAZINE
In this frank and impassioned memoir, iconic, influential musician Santana ... known for fusing rock and Latin rhythms, weaves together the rhythmic, domestic and spiritual dimensions of his career. Generously reflective and well-balanced ... Charismatic and soulful ... An appreciative and unpretentious chronicle, this is required reading for Santana fans and devotees of classic rock legends
KIRKUS REVIEWS