Music

Carlos Santana on Clive Davis: A Visionary Who Saw the Light in People

Carlos Santana remembers Clive Davis as a visionary record executive who recognized the potential in artists. Davis signed Santana's band in the late 1960s and collaborated with them again on their hit 1999 album, Supernatural.

Rolling Stone·Jun 22, 2026·via Rolling Stone

Carlos Santana on Clive Davis: A Visionary Who Saw the Light in People

In Memoriam

Carlos Santana Remembers ‘Visionary’ Record Exec Clive Davis: He ‘Recognized the Light in People’

Davis signed the guitarist's eponymous band in the late Sixties, then worked with them again on their blockbuster 1999 album Supernatural

By Jon Blistein

Jon Blistein

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June 22, 2026

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.”