Before becoming a global Latin rock sensation, the group was founded in San Francisco in late 1966 as the . This era was defined by a raw, improvisational style that blended standard electric blues with a burgeoning interest in Afro-Cuban percussion. Many modern "blues compilations" circulate today, often featuring tracks from their 1969 pre-Woodstock sessions or early live jams. Essential "Blues" Highlights from Santana's Career
Due to licensing complexities (many of the tracks are pulled from live sessions or one-off radio performances), this compilation is not always available on major streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music simultaneously. As of early 2025, the most reliable sources are: