Oye Como Va - Santana (1971) 9/2/21

Today, we're serving up a heaping helping of Salsa, with a side order of Rock and Roll!

Our "Great Song of 1971" is a tune written and originally released in the '50s by salsa music superstar Tito Puente. While it was extremely popular with Latin American audiences, "Oye Como Va" didn't become a chart-able hit until Carlos Santana included it on his legendary "Abraxis" album, and released it as the follow-up single to ANOTHER of his "Great Songs of 1971:" Black Magic Woman." (We haven't highlighted that song yet--but we definitely will!)

Interestingly, Santana vocalist Gregg Rolie sang the song in the original Spanish, but that didn't stop Top 40 radio stations in the US and Canada from playing it--or English (and French)-speaking music lovers from buying it!

In fact, the song went to #6 on Canada's Top 40 and #13 on Billboard's Hot 100. It also went to #9 in Mexico--making it a true North American hit!

For the record, the lyrics were short and sweet:

Oye como va, Mi ritmo, Bueno pa gozar, Mulata!

Translated to English, it means the following:

"Listen to my rhythm, good for fun, mulata!"

(Note: "Mulata" is a man of mixed race; Mulato is the female equivalent.)

Santana's version was inducted into the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002. It was also included in NPR's list of "The Most Important American Musical Works of the 20th Century!"

Apparently, the only person who didn't like Santana's version was...Tito Puente! He thought the rock elements that Carlos added ruined the song--until the residual checks started coming in. (True Story!)

"Oye Como Va by Santana:" a "Mucho Bueno--and Spicy--Song of 1971!

And here's Tito Puente's original version: