In an exciting announcement that has thrilled music lovers around the globe, Netflix has confirmed the release of a new, highly anticipated documentary titled **”Soul of the Strings: The Carlos Santana Story.”** Slated to premiere globally in early 2026, the film promises a powerful and intimate journey through the life, legacy, and influence of Carlos Santana—one of the most revered and spiritually resonant guitarists in music history.
From his early days in Tijuana, Mexico to the heights of superstardom and beyond, the documentary offers a unique lens into Santana’s musical genius, cultural impact, and deeply personal spiritual evolution. With never-before-seen footage, candid interviews, and performances that span over five decades, *Soul of the Strings* is set to celebrate not just a man, but a movement—a fusion of Latin rhythms, rock passion, and spiritual transcendence.
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### **A Journey Begins: Humble Roots and Musical Discovery**
The documentary opens with scenes of Carlos Santana’s childhood in Autlán de Navarro, Mexico, and his family’s move to Tijuana and later to San Francisco. Through intimate interviews with family members, childhood friends, and Santana himself, the film reveals the early musical influences that shaped his sound—traditional mariachi, blues greats like B.B. King, and the cultural melting pot of 1960s America.
Netflix takes viewers back to the era of political unrest, counterculture, and psychedelic exploration that defined Santana’s early years as a musician. The film highlights his formation of the Santana Blues Band in 1966 and the eventual signing with Columbia Records after a jaw-dropping performance at Woodstock in 1969.
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### **Woodstock and Breakthrough: A New Sound Is Born**
No story of Carlos Santana is complete without revisiting his explosive performance at Woodstock, where the world first experienced his fusion of Afro-Latin beats, blistering guitar solos, and infectious energy. The documentary offers a stunning remaster of that legendary performance of “Soul Sacrifice,” showing a young Santana sweating, soaring, and essentially losing himself in his music.
This segment of the film explores how his debut album *Santana* (1969) and subsequent releases like *Abraxas* (1970) redefined rock music, blending spirituality, Latin rhythm, and electrifying guitar work in a way no one had ever done before. Music critics and fellow artists chime in throughout, commenting on how Santana brought a revolutionary voice to the mainstream and offered a new path for musicians of color in the rock world.
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### **Faith, Fame, and Transformation**
The documentary dives deep into Santana’s personal struggles and transformation. Despite early success, Carlos faced the same demons that plagued many artists—pressure, identity, and substance use. Yet, unlike many rock icons of his era, Santana embarked on a spiritual journey that shaped the rest of his life and music.
Through moving interviews and archival footage, the film showcases his relationship with spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy and his ongoing exploration of faith, meditation, and mysticism. Santana himself speaks candidly about how these elements brought him clarity, balance, and purpose—not just as a musician, but as a human being.
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### **Reinvention and Resurgence: “Supernatural” and Global Glory**
By the 1990s, Santana’s commercial appeal had cooled, but the story was far from over. The documentary dedicates a powerful segment to the comeback of a lifetime—1999’s *Supernatural.* Fueled by hits like “Smooth” featuring Rob Thomas and collaborations with Lauryn Hill, Eric Clapton, and Wyclef Jean, the album became a worldwide phenomenon and won nine Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
Netflix captures this astonishing rebirth with behind-the-scenes studio footage, conversations with collaborators, and insights into how Santana approached music with renewed purpose and gratitude. The success of *Supernatural* introduced Santana’s magic to a new generation and proved that true artistry transcends age and time.
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### **Beyond the Music: Humanitarian, Activist, Visionary**
*Soul of the Strings* also explores Santana’s role as a humanitarian and activist. The film highlights his commitment to social justice, peace, and education through the Milagro Foundation, which he founded in 1998 to support underprivileged youth in the areas of arts, education, and health.
Santana’s voice is shown to be just as passionate offstage, as he speaks out on issues ranging from immigration reform to human rights to spiritual unity. Interviews with activists, scholars, and community leaders reflect the broader significance of Santana’s life—not just as a guitarist, but as a force for change.
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### **A Legacy Etched in Sound and Soul**
As the documentary approaches its conclusion, it presents a sweeping overview of Santana’s lasting legacy. Musicians from across the globe—guitarists, percussionists, hip-hop artists, and jazz players—pay tribute to his genre-defying sound and boundless creativity. Whether through his fiery guitar tone, his poetic phrasing, or his unshakeable belief in the power of music to heal, Santana is shown to have inspired generations.
The film delves into his recent albums, Las Vegas residencies, and international tours, proving that Santana remains as relevant and magnetic as ever. His voice, still rich with love and wisdom, narrates the closing moments, reminding viewers that the journey of music is never about ego—but about energy, spirit, and love.
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### **Netflix and Musical Storytelling at Its Best**
Directed by Oscar-winning documentarian Morgan Neville (*20 Feet from Stardom*, *Won’t You Be My Neighbor?*), the film balances cinematic elegance with emotional honesty. Netflix has spared no detail in curating rare concert footage, family video clips, handwritten lyrics, and interviews with musical giants like Herbie Hancock, Rob Thomas, Sheila E., and Clive Davis.
The visual storytelling is enhanced by Santana’s own music—from early jams to spiritual ballads and stadium anthems—serving as both soundtrack and soul of the film. The cinematography blends kaleidoscopic concert visuals with serene nature scenes, echoing Santana’s dual identity as both rock god and spiritual seeker.
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### **Conclusion: A Must-Watch Celebration of Life and Art**
*“Soul of the Strings: The Carlos Santana Story”* is more than a documentary—it’s a tribute, a journey, and a love letter to a man who dared to believe in the divine potential of sound. It offers fans old and new a chance to rediscover the guitarist who forever changed the course of rock music, while also inviting viewers into the mind and heart of an artist who never stopped evolving.
Whether you’ve followed Santana since the Woodstock days or first heard him through the Grammy-winning *Supernatural*, this film promises to touch your heart and uplift your spirit. It’s a celebration of resilience, rhythm, and the raw beauty of a life lived in pursuit of truth, freedom, and harmony.
**Mark your calendar—Netflix will premiere *Soul of the Strings: The Carlos Santana Story* globally in March 2026.** Prepare to be moved, inspired, and forever changed by the story of one of music’s most soulful legends.
