No, Santana did not write "Black Magic Woman." The iconic song was actually penned by Peter Green of the legendary British blues-rock band Fleetwood Mac.
The True Origin of "Black Magic Woman"
"Black Magic Woman" was composed by Peter Green, the co-founder and original lead guitarist of Fleetwood Mac (placeholder link). Green's musical genius brought this captivating minor blues tune to life.
Santana's Role: A Masterful Cover
While Santana did not write the song, their version became incredibly famous and is arguably the most recognized recording.
- Original Recording: Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac first recorded "Black Magic Woman" in 1968.
- Santana's Cover: Carlos Santana and his band Santana (placeholder link) released their highly successful cover in 1970.
- Unique Arrangement: Santana's rendition transformed the track, setting the minor blues tune to a distinctive clave groove and often performing it as a medley with "Gypsy Queen." This innovative arrangement infused the song with Santana's signature Latin rock fusion, propelling it to international success.
Key Differences Between Versions
| Feature | Original (Fleetwood Mac) | Cover (Santana) |
|---|---|---|
| Writer | Peter Green | Peter Green |
| First Recorded | 1968 | 1970 |
| Primary Style | Blues rock | Latin rock, often with a clave groove |
| Signature Sound | Green's melancholic guitar tone | Santana's soulful, vibrato-rich guitar melodies |
| Arrangement | Standalone track | Often part of a medley with "Gypsy Queen" |
In summary, while Santana's electrifying performance cemented "Black Magic Woman" in rock history, the songwriting credit belongs solely to Peter Green.
