Carlos Santana Pays Tribute to Clive Davis: A ‘Visionary’

Carlos Santana remembered Clive Davis as a “visionary” who could “hear the intangible before anyone else could see it” in a tribute to the late music executive. 

“He believed in Santana from the beginning, and years later he believed in us again,” Santana wrote on Facebook following Davis’ death on Monday. “That kind of faith is a beautiful blessing, and I will always be grateful.”

Davis signed Santana’s eponymous band in the late Sixties as part of his efforts to turn Columbia Records into a powerhouse rock & roll label. Santana enjoyed a wildly successful run under Davis, releasing two Number One albums (Abraxas and Santana III), and hit singles like “Evil Ways,” “Black Magic Woman,” and “Oye Cómo Va.” 

And while Santana remained on Columbia long after Davis was forced out in 1973, they reunited in the late-Nineties when Davis brought Santana to Arista Records. The label released the band’s blockbuster 1999 album, Supernatural, which earned Diamond certification from the RIAA and won nine Grammys, including Album of the Year.

“Clive understood that music is more than entertainment,” Santana wrote in his tribute. “Music is a healing force. It brings people together beyond fear, beyond separation, beyond borders. He dedicated his life to championing artists and helping them share their gifts with the world.”

The guitarist continued: “Clive recognized the light in people. He encouraged artists to trust their own voice and step into their destiny. Because of his vision, countless musicians were able to reach hearts across the planet. I thank Clive for his friendship, his trust, and his belief in Santana. We celebrate his extraordinary journey and the legacy of joy, inspiration, and possibility that he leaves behind. We send our deepest love and blessings to his family and to all who were touched by his life.”

Along with Santana, tributes to Davis have poured in from the countless artists who worked with him, including Rod Stewart, Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, and Bruce Springsteen. “He treated me with the same respect and kindness as a 22-year-old nobody as he did after all my success,” Springsteen wrote of Davis. “A great man. All our prayers and love.”