I first saw Santana at Rob Gym, UCSB, I think December 1968, Quicksilver headlining. Their first album had not come out yet. I think they played again in early '69. Over the years I've seen them a bunch, mainly at Dead shows. Caught him sitting in with Eric Clapton at Frost for that song from Tommy.
His band used to rehearse next door on Folsom St. to my shop, so I've heard him through the walls more times than I can count, met many different band members, as they always seemed to be quitting and returning. Worked with at least 3 of his bass players on basses.
Got to hand it to him, long career making music. Not a bad fate, eh?