Evil Ways (Santana song)

"Evil Ways"
Single by Santana
from the album Santana
B-side"Waiting"
ReleasedJanuary 1, 1970
GenreJazz fusion, latin rock, psychedelic funk
Length3:54 (album version)
3:01 (single version)
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)Clarence "Sonny" Henry
Producer(s)Brent Dangerfield, Santana
Santana singles chronology
"Jingo"
(1969)
"Evil Ways"
(1970)
"Black Magic Woman"
(1970)

"Evil Ways" is a song made famous by Mexican-American rock band Santana from their 1969 self-titled debut album. It was written by Clarence "Sonny" Henry and originally recorded by jazz percussionist Willie Bobo on his 1967 album Bobo Motion. Alongside Santana's release in 1969, "Evil Ways" was also recorded by the band The Village Callers.[1] The lyrics of the song are written in simple verse form.[2]

Released as a single in late 1969, it became Santana's first top 40 and top 10 hit in the US, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of March 21, 1970. Gregg Rolie performs the lead vocals and plays a Hammond organ solo in the middle section. The double-time coda includes a guitar solo performed by Carlos Santana, who also does the backing vocals.

  1. ^ "The Village Callers - Evil Ways / When You're Gone". Discogs.com. 1969. Retrieved 2016-10-02.
  2. ^ Covach, John. "Form in Rock Music: A Primer", p.71–72, in Stein, Deborah (2005). "Engaging Music: Essays in Music Analysis". New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-517010-5.