Cindy Blackman Santana expressed to WTOP the diverse repertoire of their band, which includes original compositions and reimagined works, such as those by Wayne Shorter. She highlighted the band’s ability to infuse new elements into familiar tunes, keeping the music fresh and dynamic.
Born in Yellow Springs, Ohio, in 1959, Blackman’s musical upbringing was rich in funk, jazz, classical, and rock ‘n roll. After her family relocated to Connecticut, she pursued studies at the Hartt School of Music in Hartford and the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Despite eventually leaving formal education, Blackman gained valuable experience performing with The Drifters, a renowned doo-wop group.
Reflecting on her time with The Drifters, Blackman noted the stability and financial opportunities it provided, even though it wasn’t the music she envisioned playing.
In 1993, a pivotal moment arrived when Lenny Kravitz invited her to audition for his music video “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” This led to a nearly two-decade-long tenure as his touring drummer, a role that saw her featured prominently in the concert documentary “Alive from Planet Earth,” filmed during performances in Australia.
“I was introduced to Lenny through a mutual friend who mentioned, ‘I’ve got this friend Lenny Kravitz who’s been searching for a drummer.’ I was clueless at first, so I asked, ‘Who’s that?’ The friend replied, ‘The guy who used to be married to Lisa Bonet.’ Intrigued, I went for the audition amidst 40 other drummers. After my turn, Lenny abruptly called off the auditions, proclaiming, ‘No, I choose Cindy.’ And thus began an incredible 17-year journey playing on the road with him.”
It was during a music festival in Germany in 2005 while performing with Kravitz that I crossed paths with my future husband, Carlos Santana.
“Kravitz and Santana were both performing, with Santana playing first,” I recalled. “We exchanged pleasantries, but there were no immediate sparks as I was already romantically involved, and I believe he was too. Fast forward five years later, Carlos was looking for a drummer to substitute. As we started playing together, we found a musical connection that quickly turned into a spiritual one.”
Carlos made a grand gesture, proposing to me on stage during a concert in Chicago on July 9, 2010.
“I was in the middle of playing ‘Corazón Espinado’ when he interrupted, inviting me to the front of the stage,” I recounted. “There was a moment of anticipation, a golden silence amidst thousands of spectators. Then, he looked at me and popped the question, ‘Cindy, will you marry me?’ It took me by surprise, but without hesitation, I said, ‘Yes, absolutely.'”
Fourteen years down the road, the musical duo of husband and wife continues to thrive.
“It’s truly a blessing to pursue our greatest passion alongside the person we love,” she expressed. “Sharing this divine connection through music is profound. To me, music is akin to prayer, the pinnacle of communication, transcending all barriers—racial, political, cultural. It unites us in ways nothing else can. Being able to experience this with Carlos is an unparalleled journey, a source of endless joy and fulfillment.”
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