Carlos Santana was raised steeped in music. His father played violin for a living and taught his son to do the same. But the instrument didn’t speak to young Carlos. Neither did playing the same mariachi songs over and over for tourists. Carlos longed to play an electric guitar and the blues music he’d heard on the radio from artists like Muddy Waters and B.B. King. And eventually he would, going on to craft his own unique sound after moving to the United States. It was a sound that blended his Mexican roots with American tradition: “a new flavor of rock and roll, charged with Latin passion and the raw honesty of American blues.” Dazzling mixed media illustrations full of color and a sweeping sense of movement accompany a narrative focused on Santana’s feelings about music, and his relationship to his father around music, as a child. An informative author’s note, a personal note from the illustrator sharing his connection with Santana’s music, glossary, and sources conclude the volume. (Ages 7–11)

Discover the childhood story of Carlos Santana in Gary Golio's Sound of the Heart, Song of the World, featuring illustrations by Rudy Gutierrez, the internationally celebrated artist who created the iconic Carlos Santana Shaman CD cover.

Carlos Santana grew up surrounded by music. His father, a beloved mariachi performer, teaches his son how to play the violin when he is only six years old. But when Carlos discovers American blues, he is captivated by the raw honesty of the music. Unable to think of anything else, he loses all interest in the violin. When Carlos finally receives his first guitar, his whole life begins to change.

From his early exposure to mariachi to his successful fusing of rock, blues, jazz, and Latin influences, here is the childhood story of a legendary musician.

Christy Ottaviano Books