Carlos Santana has reunited with the original congo player from the Santana Blues Band, after discovering that Marcus “The Magnificent” Malone had fallen on hard times.
Around the time of the release of Santana’s well-received debut, and before the band made its seminal appearance at Woodstock, Malone was jailed for manslaughter, according to Ben Fong-Torres’ Not Fade Away. His critical role in helping shape the group’s early sound was quickly forgotten, as Malone was replaced by percussionists Jose “Chepito” Areas and Mike Carabello.
Together with Gregg Rolie, Michael Shrieve and David Brown, Santana would go on to enjoy five-times platinum success with 1970’s Abraxas.
Meanwhile, Malone ended up living in a camper in Oakland, until a news crew from San Francisco’s KRON-TV stumbled across him last week — more than four decades after the Santana band was originally formed in his mom’s garage. Reporter Stanley Roberts then contacted Santana, and a reunion with Malone was set.
Santana said he would assist Malone in getting back on his feet, even offering to bring him new congas. He’s also said that Malone will be part of a future reunion album.
Rod Harper and Bobby Scott, who served as percussionist and producer respectively for Santana, have also said they would like to meet with their old friend again.
“You don’t know how afraid I am to let you see me,” Malone said, as the he embraced Santana. “We cherish you,” the guitarist replied. “It’s an honor to be in your presence.”
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