Oye Como Va

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious rhythms of Santana's "Oye Como Va" from the iconic Abraxas album, and Zoo Freaks are surely dancing along. This track, a cover of Tito Puente's 1960s cha-cha hit, became a global sensation when Santana released it in 1970. Interestingly, Puente himself was unaware of Santana’s version until his wife heard it playing in a store on an FM radio station, as he recounted in an NPR interview. She was surprised, noting that it wasn’t her husband’s style but recognized the song, leading to the discovery that Santana had transformed it into a Latin rock masterpiece. Santana’s rendition, driven by Carlos Santana’s electric guitar and Gregg Rolie’s swirling Hammond organ, stripped away the horns of Puente’s original, creating a looser, psychedelic vibe that captivated audiences.

Behind the scenes, recording "Oye Como Va" wasn’t without its challenges. In a 2021 interview with Guitar Player, Carlos Santana recalled facing resistance from some band members who questioned whether the song fit their rock identity. Santana, however, insisted on its inclusion, sensing its potential to blend their Latin roots with mainstream appeal. His intuition paid off, as the song’s catchy rhythm and danceable groove made it a standout, reaching No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Gregg Rolie, the band’s organist and vocalist, initially struggled with how to approach the track, as he shared in a Something Else! interview, wondering how to adapt a Tito Puente cha-cha to his keyboard style. He ended up simulating the original instrumentation on the organ, adding a distinctive psychedelic flair that became one of his favorite contributions to Abraxas.

The song’s impact extended far beyond its chart success. NPR included "Oye Como Va" in its "NPR 100: The most important American musical works of the 20th century," highlighting its role in solidifying Santana’s place as pioneers of Latin rock. Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos, quoted in the same NPR piece, praised Santana for fusing the romantic elements of rock and Latin music, creating a new genre that resonated worldwide. The song also brought unexpected royalties to Puente and boosted the salsa movement in the 1970s, as noted by ethnomusicologist Steven Loza. On social media, fans continue to celebrate its legacy, with posts like one from 60sPsychJukebox on X in April 2023 marking the start of Abraxas’s recording sessions in 1970, crediting the album’s No. 1 U.S. chart success to tracks like "Oye Como Va."

Carlos Santana, the heart of the band, began his musical journey in Autlán de Navarro, Mexico, born on July 20, 1947. He started playing the violin at age five but switched to the guitar by eight, drawn to the blues of T-Bone Walker and B.B. King, as detailed in his Britannica biography. As a teenager in Tijuana, he played in local bands, soaking up norteño and blues influences. After his family moved to San Francisco in the 1960s, Santana immersed himself in the city’s vibrant rock scene. In 1966, he formed the Santana Blues Band, which caught the attention of promoter Bill Graham. Their performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, before their debut album was even released, catapulted them to fame, with their Latin-infused rock standing out among other acts.

Today, fans can connect with Santana through their official website, where updates on tours and new releases like the 2024 album Sentient are shared. Their Facebook page, with millions of followers, posts tour dates and nostalgic throwbacks, while Instagram showcases vibrant performance shots and personal moments from Carlos and his band, including his wife, drummer Cindy Blackman Santana. On X, Carlos shares inspirational messages and music updates, engaging directly with fans. Fan communities thrive online, with groups like the Santana Fan Club on Facebook offering a space for Zoo Freaks to discuss albums like Abraxas and share concert experiences. Websites like SantanaFanClub.com provide exclusive content and fan club memberships, keeping the spirit of Santana’s music alive for generations.