Artists
Cindy Blackman Santana: From Jazz Roots to Rock Stardom
Today, let’s get to know the one and only Cindy Blackman Santana, one of the few female drummers that I look up to!
Cindy Blackman Santana is a drumming powerhouse whose career spans genres, decades, and collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. From her early roots in jazz to her rise as the drummer for Lenny Kravitz and later collaborations with her husband, guitar legend Carlos Santana, Cindy’s journey is marked by her versatility, technical precision, and boundless energy. Influenced by jazz greats like Art Blakey, Tony Williams, and Elvin Jones, she has carved out a space for herself in both jazz and rock, breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of musicians. Whether commanding the stage in a stadium or leading her own jazz ensemble, Cindy’s dynamic artistry continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of music.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Cindy Blackman Santana was born on November 18, 1959, in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and grew up in a musically inclined family. Her mother was a classical violinist, her grandmother a pianist, her uncle who is a vibist (a person who always gave us good vibes through vibraphone), and her father was into jazz. At the early age of seven, she already felt Love at First Sight at a pool party she attended.
“Just looking at them struck something in my core, and it was completely right from the second I saw them,”
“And then, when I hit them, it was like, wow, that’s me.” – Cindy Blackman
Her family moved to Bristol, Connecticut, where she grew up, and her early experiences with music began to deepen. She was drawn to jazz early on, particularly the sounds of Max Roach, Art Blakey, and later, Tony Williams, who became a defining influence in her drumming style.
Education and Early Career
Cindy’s formal music education started at the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, where she studied classical percussion. Seeking more immersion in jazz, she moved to Boston to attend the Berklee College of Music, one of the most prestigious schools for contemporary music. Here, she developed her technical skills and studied with various top-notch musicians like Alan Dawson, who also taught Tony Williams.
After her time at Berklee, Cindy moved to New York City, where she began building her career in the vibrant jazz scene. She started playing in small jazz clubs, learning and honing her craft by performing regularly with emerging and established musicians. She also attended shows to learn with the legends like Art Blakey who became a significant influence.
“He really was like a father to me. I learned a lot just watching him. I asked him a lot of questions about the drums and music – and he answered all of them” – Cindy Blackman on Art Blakey
Breakthrough and Career Highlights
Cindy Blackman Santana’s big break came when she was asked to play with Lenny Kravitz in 1993. She became the drummer for Kravitz’s band during his tour and performed on some of his biggest hits, including “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” Her performances with Kravitz gained her widespread recognition, especially for her energetic live shows.
In addition to rock, she continued to explore jazz, performing with artists like Pharaoh Sanders, Ron Carter, Jacky Terrasson, and Wallace Roney. Her jazz work was as dynamic as her rock performances, showcasing her ability to blend improvisational skills with complex rhythms.
Blackman and Santana
Cindy began collaborating with guitar legend Carlos Santana in the late 2000s, and their musical chemistry turned into a personal relationship. The two married in 2010, and she became a member of his band. They’ve performed together extensively, blending rock, Latin, and jazz fusion in their performances. Cindy’s drumming added a fresh energy to Santana’s legendary sound, reinforcing her reputation as a highly versatile musician.
Drumming Style and Influences
Cindy’s drumming is characterized by its powerful energy, complex rhythms, and precision. She draws heavily from her jazz background, incorporating techniques from jazz greats like Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, and Jack DeJohnette. Yet, she’s equally comfortable in rock, where her powerful playing can take center stage.
Her ability to switch between genres fluidly has become one of her trademarks. Whether playing a subtle, jazz-influenced groove or delivering heavy-hitting rock beats, her precision and passion shine through.
“Some drummers act, some react. Some keep time, others create it. Cindy Blackman Santana is among the few who can,”
– Mike Zwerin (International Herald Tribune)
Collaborations and Projects
Over the years, Cindy has played with a broad range of artists and bands across various genres: Lenny Kravitz, Pharaoh Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Bill Laswell, Sam Rivers, Joss Stone, Joe Henderson, Buckethead, Don Pullen, Jacky Terrasson, Hugh Masekela, Kenny Garrett, Ron Carter, Wallace Roney, Angela Bofill. She also performs and tours with her Cindy Blackman Santana Band, and Another Lifetime.
Legacy and Influence
Cindy Blackman Santana is one of the few female drummers who has achieved wide recognition in both jazz and rock. She has broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field and continues to inspire a new generation of musicians. Her dedication to the craft, whether in a small jazz club or a large rock stadium, remains unmatched.
Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to improving her skills and has continued to push the boundaries of drumming in various genres. Whether leading her own jazz quartet or playing with Carlos Santana‘s band, Cindy’s artistry continues to evolve.
Recent Work
In recent years, Cindy Blackman Santana has maintained a busy schedule, performing regularly with Carlos Santana and on her own projects. Her 2020 album, Give the Drummer Some, features a mix of jazz, rock, and funk, and includes collaborations with Kirk Hammett (of Metallica), John McLaughlin, and, of course, Carlos Santana. The album showcases her broad range of influences and her ability to blend genres seamlessly.
Cindy Blackman Santana’s career is a testament to her talent, resilience, and deep passion for music. She remains an influential figure for musicians worldwide, particularly for women in drumming, continually expanding what is possible in rhythm and percussion.
For more about Cindy Blackman Santana, you can visit her official website: https://cindyblackmansantana.com/
Meanwhile, let’s watch her few videos and enjoy!
Are You Gonna Go My Way with Lenny Kravitz official video
You Know, You Know by Cindy Blackman Santana Band
We Came To Play ft. John McLaughlin official video
Corazon Espinado with Santana Live at Montreux 2016
Everybody’s Dancin’ ft. Carlos Santana official video
“I think of playing as controlled freedom, and in jazz, especially, that’s exactly what you have. I love it,”
“You know the forms of the songs, but you have the freedom to stretch over them. You want the music to grow and breathe, and you want to invite creativity from all the musicians. As you’re going along, you can change the color, the feel, the mood in different ways, or go off the chart and open it up to something new. Controlled freedom is an incredible discipline in itself, requiring a lot of focus. Improvisation like that is art in its highest form.”
