Carlos Santana’s Dad Jose Dies Of Heart Failure

The music world suffered a loss Saturday when Jose Santana, a well-known Bay Area violinist and father of legendary guitarist Carlos Santana, died at his home from heart failure.

Born in 1913 in Cuautala, Jalisco, Mexico, Jose learned to play violin at an early age. By the time he became a teenager, he began performing as part of a classical symphony orchestra and eventually became its leader. He married Josefina Barragan in 1940 and formed a touring mariachi band called Los Cardinales. Jose moved to San Francisco in 1961 where he played several gigs at local clubs and social events. He continued to play a weekly show at La Cantina in nearby Mill Valley, Calif., up until his death

Carlos Santana used these words to describe his father: “Jose Santana was a supreme communicator with his voice and violin. His graciousness, charm and charisma were a natural joy to witness.”