Peace on Earth … Mother Earth … Third Stone From the Sun

The Zoo Crew is spinning the vibrant track "Peace on Earth … Mother Earth … Third Stone From the Sun" by Santana from the 1990 album Spirits Dancing in the Flesh, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving to its eclectic vibes. This song is a medley that weaves together a Santana original with John Coltrane’s “Peace on Earth” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Third Stone From the Sun,” creating a fusion of Latin rock, jazz, and psychedelic elements. Produced by Vernon Reid, the track showcases Santana’s signature guitar riffs and a rhythmic intensity that reflects the band’s ability to blend genres seamlessly. According to a review on Prog Archives, the medley starts with a Coltrane-inspired atmospheric intro, transitions into a hard rock segment, and concludes with a nod to Hendrix’s iconic theme, though some critics felt the Hendrix coda seemed slightly out of context. The song’s lyrical call to action, with lines like “Hey everybody / Let’s lend a hand / ‘Cause there’s no tomorrow / Unless we take a stand,” emphasizes environmental and social unity, resonating with the hippie spirit of the Zoo Crew and their audience.

Delving into the song’s background, it’s notable that “Peace on Earth … Mother Earth … Third Stone From the Sun” was part of Spirits Dancing in the Flesh, Santana’s sixteenth studio album, which peaked at number 85 on the Billboard 200. The track reflects Carlos Santana’s lifelong admiration for Jimi Hendrix, whom he has cited as a key influence in interviews, such as one in a 2000 biography of Michael Bloomfield where he discussed Hendrix’s revolutionary impact. Santana’s decision to incorporate Hendrix’s work alongside Coltrane’s speaks to his experimental approach in the 1990s, a period when he was navigating commercial challenges before the massive success of Supernatural in 1999. Fans on platforms like Genius have noted the medley’s layered production, crediting contributors like Jim Gaines and Chester D. Thompson for its dynamic sound. For Zoo Freaks curious about more insights, checking out Santana’s posts on Facebook or Instagram often reveals reflections on his creative process and influences.

Carlos Santana’s journey to becoming a rock legend began in the late 1960s in San Francisco, where he formed the Santana Blues Band. Born in Mexico, Santana moved to San Francisco as a teenager, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant music scene. His early influences included blues icons like B.B. King and jazz greats like Miles Davis, as well as the cultural revolutions of the era, which he later described in a Wikipedia entry as a “leap in human consciousness” inspired by figures like The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. Santana’s big break came with a performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, where their song “Soul Sacrifice” captivated audiences with its Latin-infused rock sound. This exposure catapulted their self-titled debut album to success, followed by hits like Abraxas and Santana III. Despite facing commercial struggles in the 1980s and early 1990s, Santana’s resilience and collaboration with artists like Eric Clapton and Rob Thomas on later albums solidified his enduring legacy.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Santana’s world, the official Santana website is a treasure trove of tour dates, news, and exclusive content, including details about his recent album Sentient. On social media, Santana’s Facebook page shares live performance clips and fan interactions, while Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of his tours. His X account keeps fans updated with thoughts on music and spirituality. For deeper fan engagement, the Santana Fan Club on Facebook is a lively community where enthusiasts share concert experiences and rare memorabilia. Websites like Santana’s official store also provide access to albums like Spirits Dancing in the Flesh, perfect for Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper into the band’s discography.