Cindy Blackman Santana is a world-renowned drummer whose powerful, expressive playing bridges the worlds of jazz, rock, and funk. A dynamic bandleader and innovator, she’s known for her technical brilliance and deep musicality—equally capable of fiery solos and subtle, textured grooves.
Over her prolific career, she has performed and recorded with legends like Pharoah Sanders, Lenny Kravitz, Joe Henderson, and Joss Stone. She currently leads her own groups, including the Cindy Blackman Santana Band and Another Lifetime, and has released acclaimed solo work, including 2020’s Give the Drummer Some.
Since 2016, she’s been the powerhouse drummer in Santana, appearing on several albums and tours. In 2023, she joined Chris Stapleton and Snoop Dogg in reimagining Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” as the anthem for ESPN’s Monday Night Football.
Whether on stage or in the studio, Cindy Blackman Santana continues to redefine what’s possible behind the drum kit—earning her place among the most respected drummers of her generation.
