After several decades, legendary guitarist and musician Carlos Santana was reunited with his former bandmate Marcus "The Magnificent" Malone who is now homeless and living in the streets of Oakland, according to the Associated Press.
The meeting of the former bandmates was made possible by Stanley Roberts, television reporter for KRON-TV in San Francisco, the report said.
Roberts was working on an illegal dumping story when he ran across Malone last week KRON-TV reported. Roberts was skeptical when Malone told him that he used to play with the legendary rock and roll hall of famer Santana in the Santana Blues Band during the late 1960s. He then investigated the story and was able to confirm it, said the Associated Press.
On Friday, Roberts took Santana to the camper where The Magnificent was staying.
"You don't know how afraid I am to let you see me," Malone told Santana in a very soft voice as the two embraced.
"We cherish you," Santana said. "It's an honor to be in your presence."
According to Ben Fong-Torres' book 'Not Fade Away: A Backstage Ticket to 20 Years of Rock & Roll, the legendary blues maestro has credited Malone for his contribution to Santana's Afro-Latin sound. Santana said Malone's influence in his music is very important.
Malone played congas during the time when he was still playing with Santana and was part of Santana's first album. He left the band in 1969 just before Santana's memorable performance at Woodstock. According to Fong-Torres' book, Malone left the band because he was imprisoned for manslaughter.
Santana and Malone told Roberts that they hadn't seen each other since Malone left in 1969. Santana promised Malone that he will help him get back on life's track and bring him a set of congas.
Rod Harper, another Santana Blues Band percussionist and original member, and producer Bobby Scott said they're interested in reuniting with Malone after seeing the story on television.
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