Cindy Blackman Santana is a virtuoso drummer whose artistry bridges the worlds of jazz, rock, and beyond. A fearless bandleader and sound innovator, she is celebrated for both the power and soul of her playing and the subtlety, color, and nuance she brings to every beat. From her early days as a street performer in New York City to touring the globe with icons including Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Joe Henderson, Buckethead, and Joss Stone, Cindy has built a career defined by creative exploration and musical mastery. She has led her own acclaimed projects—the Cindy Blackman Santana Group and Another Lifetime—and was a founding member of Spectrum Road with Vernon Reid, Jack Bruce, and John Medeski. A longtime collaborator with Lenny Kravitz (1992–2007, 2014–2015), Cindy joined Santana full-time in 2016, mesmerizing audiences worldwide and contributing to albums including Power of Peace (with the Isley Brothers, 2017), Africa Speaks (2019), and Blessings and Miracles (2021). Her solo album Give the Drummer Some (2020) showcased her wide-ranging talents as both drummer and vocalist, further cementing her reputation as one of music’s most versatile artists. Her much-anticipated new album Coherence, set for release July 31, 2026, continues this trajectory of innovation. Blending elements of jazz, rock, and experimental rhythm, Coherence highlights Cindy’s evolving voice as a composer and bandleader and promises standout performances that both revisit her foundational roots and chart new sonic territory. In 2023, Cindy appeared alongside Chris Stapleton and Snoop Dogg on a reimagining of Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight,” chosen as the anthem for ESPN’s Monday Night Football. Now entering its third year due to overwhelming popularity, the intro has become a cultural touchstone that continues to spotlight Cindy’s electrifying drumming. With each performance and recording—now including Coherence—she continues to expand her artistic legacy, establishing herself as one of the finest drummers and musicians of her generation.