Carlos Santana

Multi-platinum world music icon Carlos Santana brought his impressive roster of crossover hits to Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Born in Autlan de Navarro, Mexico-where there’s now a street and public square in his name to the son of a virtuoso Mariachi violinist, Santana early on emulated his heroes — John Lee Hooker, T. Bone Walker, and B.B. King — who he heard on powerful American radio stations when their signals crossed the border. Less publicized, but equally as profound as his artistic legacy, is Santana’s long history of social activism and contributions to humanitarian causes. In 1998, he co-founded of the Milagro Foundation. With over $1.8 million in grants to date, Milagro supports organizations promoting the welfare of underserved children in the areas of health, education, and the arts. More recently, Santana has become involved in the fight against the AIDS pandemic in South Africa through a partnership with ANSA – Artists for New South Africa. Other organizations he has championed include Hispanic Education and Media Group, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, Childreach, Rainforest Action Network, Greenpeace, American Indian College Fund, Amnesty International, and the Los Angeles-based Museum of Tolerance. Photo by Johnny Louis.