Carlos Santana Receives First BMI Latin Icon Award

Carlos Santana was honored as the first Icon at the BMI Latin Awards for his outstanding achievements in music, this time at the 12th Annual BMI Awards on April 21, 2005. The BMI Icon honors a creator who has been a "unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers"; Santana was so honored at the organization's Latin Awards, held April 21 at The Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas, the first time the awards have been held in that city.

Performing rights organization BMI held the black-tie ceremony at The Four Seasons in Las Vegas, NV. BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Assistant Vice President of Latin Music, Diane J. Almodovar were hosts of the gala event. The Latin BMI Awards recognizes the writers and publishers of the past year's most performed Latin songs on US radio and television.

L-R: BMI AVP of Latin Music, Diane Almodovar; BMI Icon, Carlos Santana; Deborah Santana; and, BMI President & CEO Del Bryant.

The Icon production included a musical tribute to Santana's music with performances by Mana guitarist Sergio Vallin, Conjunto Primavera lead singer Tony Melendez, Jaguares percussionist Leo Muñoz and Latin rock group Ozomatli.

Carlos has successfully navigated the stormy waters of popular music for more than three decades with a unique balance of intelligence, passion, inspiration and honesty. He is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; has sold more than 80 million records; performed to more than 100 million people; and, he was honored with more Grammys for a single album than any other title in the history of the Grammy's for his landmark CD Supernatural.