Tribute to Raul Rekow member of the Carlos Santana Band

Back stage pass with the Carlos Santana Band. Portions of a tribute to Raul Rekow, who pass on to heaven November 1st, 2015.

[@johnleonard3806]

Fortunate to have been in the audience of many Santana shows through the 70's and 80's. Raul was smiling ear to ear every time I saw them. He had the most fun of anyone. RIP

[@jaiyabyrd4177]

It's 2023 And I first noticed this man in the 80s video "Say it again" I'm so sad that he became an Angel 😇 so young. I never knew his name until now. Rest in Eternal Peace Raul 🙏🏾🕊️🕊️

[@treblenote2]

As a huge fan of Santana, Mr Rekow was very much admired and an attribute to Santana Band!!! thank-you for your talent!!! RIP

[@rubentirado1836]

As a musician and a percussionist, this guy has it to the Tee. His words are more than music, they are wisdom.

[@catewalton6204]

Oh man, Raul was the best. Always brought a smile and goosebumps. Beautiful explanation. “The stage is our altar and we’re playing for God”

[@rickgarcia8481]

He was the most constant sight of all the band members... You always knew it was Carlos and Raul and many many others through the years... Great down to earth guy in this interview. God bless his soul... Santana the band lost a bit of its soul when he was gone... Viva Santana...

[@yolandaramos6485]

Jesus called Raul on Nov. 1st, All Saints Day, which is also my Birthday. The Lord chose a very BLESSED DAY, to embrace his SPIRIT. Amen

[@ramiroramos7762]

Bless all God's children 🙏...

[@momof7sons]

This man has such an awesome spirit. RIP Raul. 💖😢

[@gmajorspresents]

I've only seen Santana once and it was the most hypnotic concert ive been to in my life. I remembered it for days. Been to a lot of concerts but nothing tops Santana. Amazing !

[@krusty6246]

Been to many Santana concerts. Raul always smiling while playing. I met him and his wife outside the Little FoxTheater in Redwood City. Nice guy down to earth. Best conga player Santana ever had

[@milfrensalvador8134]

I'm forever Santana blues band I like all the hits of Santana.

[@integralherbalism3093]

I followed Santana around one summer in Spain and then ended up at the Montreux Jazz festival. In Barcelona I was wandering around the city and sitting outside a hotel was Karl Perazza, I stopped to chat and and he signed my address book...Out of the door came Raul and Chester Thompson and Karl says "this guys coming to all our shows in Spain, can you sign has book"....Fantastic guys all three of them. I then got Santana's autograph while waiting to get into the show. In Montreux the band gave their usual 2.5 hour show - with guest appearances by Herbie Hancock...and then after the encore they came back with an entire band of musicians from Worldview and had a 45 minute jam. (I have the whole thing recorded). Raul and Karl's joy in playing is so contagious - after the show they still hadn't had enough so they went down to one another venue for a late night jam. His love of music certainly played a vital role in creating the magic of the Santana band.

[@DocuMamaFilms]

What a beautiful story of SANTANA's fantastic musicians. I hope to post more stories and their generosity in sharing their global journey. Thak you for sharing. Have you posted those concerts mentions?

[@Dimbochan]

My favorite Santana percussionist ever (Mike Shrieve too!), such joy radiate from him when he play. He radiate a real person, a real man. Wearing tank top tee shirt, big shoulders, he look like a real guy walking down the street from the neighborhood. He master fame, he master himself. Thank you so much for your gift.

[@rodolfopuentejrrodolfo2972]

No one can fill his shoes he is was and continues to be the best Santana has ever had and that smile is still there

[@salthedrummer1]

Raul a big sound to the Santana band, I would go just to see him play with Santana, if Raul wasn't there for what ever reason something was missing. Today Paoli Mejias bring a different spirit to the band I think Raul was still here he would approve of Paoli because Paoli is an amazing musician and a beautiful soul.. by the way that War shirt that Raul is wearing in this interview I gave that to him back in the early 90's when WAR and Santana did a show together, he is also wearing it on a Santana smooth video, Thank you Raul for all those great years you gave us. Raul was one of a kind human being the hardest hitting conguero on the planet with a giving and gracious heart, he is truly missed a huge hug to the family... Sal Rodriguez

[@jimshunamon2512]

I am so very saddened to learn of Raul's passing. I am not sure how many people realize just how good a percussionist he was. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

[@catelewis7223]

Oh I love his smile whilst h'es playing those Congo's. So much love and joy. Incredible player...RIP...and watch over the band please.

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Yes, Raul's smile was so inspiring. An amazing musician who tore his hand up with his powerful style. Thank you for commenting!

[@romeocruz8586]

Raul Rekow, gracias por tu aportaciòn y profesionalismo en el ritmo afroantillano (Congas). Q. E. P. D.

[@ElizaMarca2023]

Siempre te recordaremos Raúl Rekow con tu sonrisa tocando desde 1972 con grupo Malo con gorgito Santana y su éxito suavicito Raúl en los vídeos y todo lo que viajó por el mundo con Carlos Santana se ve su talento Raúl vivirás siempre para tus fans""

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Thank you Silvia...Raul was one of the best!

[@MrFramemichael]

The thing I loved most about Raul Rekow was the happiness shown on his face every time I watched him play - his passion for percussion playing was a gift to us all and for that he will always remain in my thoughts. Musicians come and go, and very few stay with us. Thank you Raul.

[@carlosnovaes6993]

I had the opportunity and was blessed by the sound and vibration of Raul Rekow and Santana Band in 1996 (Rio de Janeiro concert), Brazil. The music and scene is imprinted on my mind, heart and soul until these days. God Bless Raul Rekow!!

[@spartysmile5243]

Geez we sure do miss an honest, open soul such as him during these times when everyone seems to be swallowed by folly.

[@russellbeverly94]

Thank you for your gift and sharing your beautiful spirit

[@vin-r5384]

Never could get over how he kept his hair short and trimmed and belonged to one of the biggest Rock and Roll Bands and all thru the 70s and everything. And then in his late 50s a few years before his death he let it grow all the way down his back. He looked really Cool.

[@godsfavoriteson83]

Wow I always admired Mr Rekow as a musician, but now after watching this video, I now admire him more as a musician but also as the great human being he was. Rest in Peace maestro

[@marcelomorales5713]

Grande Raulitoiii tus congas suenan hoy en el cielo para el deleite de Dios

[@hughle2579]

Wow, what an interview and a beautiful soul. RIP Raul !!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Thank you, it was a pleasure to film the Santana band! Raul was the greatest congero, a caring human and that smile was his trademark. May he RIP.

[@jesusheals2]

I met Raul twice in my 20 times seeing Santana and he was the best guy.Always so kind,humble,gracious.I met him and said it's so nice to meet you and he said -"It's my pleasure to meet you man".What a sweet-heart.I saw him always having that smoke in his hand,and I had a bad vibe every time I saw him smoking.

[@jonsmith4669]

R.I.P. Raul................ great to see him playing Congas ,so dynamic.

[@emileluhulima3316]

What a HONEST interview! Hé is very open here! Also abouth his private life. If you can do that being open and vulnerable and sensitive than you are GREAT May his soul RIP And his wonderful legacy live on!

[@rafaelvelardi612]

Possibly the best of all conga man.

[@jameschant2740]

Raul is an amazing guy ! Honest to the core, just like the music. Rest in peace.

[@LucasPenido]

Just learned now! Can’t believe he passed away! 🙏😔

[@danielemignano6103]

I first heard him play at the age of 13 and since that day when I was 13 there as not been a day I haven't listened to him playing talking and feeling his spirit I love and miss and thank you so much brother but I would need to live at least 17000 lifetime to say thank you you are every bit what it means to be a true human being with a heart bigger than the universe thank you so much to the diamond quality of your life and your profession you took the time to lend me your love respect and brotherhood friendship I love you brother I miss you so much🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Thank you for your comments about Raul...a grrat and generous remains in our thoughts!

[@danielemignano6103]

Barbara Bustillos Cogswell yes thank you so much

[@daviddoyle4516]

Man I just wish that Raul could still be around,,,it hurts my heart he is gone,,,,he left us too soon,,,I thought he was indestructable and would be with us forever,,,

[@richroggio]

Raul was the best and a real down to earth guy

[@iMikeyLuv]

Wonderful to meet Raul here. This is the first time i've heard Raul speak. He is an articulate, spiritual, humble man. Enjoyed hearing his thoughts on Santana and his life in general. My first Santana show was in 1976 and Raul had just joined the band. I wanted to quit college and drum all day !!!. Although i am a drum set player, all drummers are kindred spirits. Thanks again for bringing this conguero supremo to life !!!. RIP Raul.

[@joeg5507]

Raul always treated fans with respect and love.

[@ritao3464]

SO HAPPY TO FIND THIS. REST iN PARADISE RAUL REKOW ♡♡♡

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Thank you Emile!! When I mentioned that my footage was for young musicians to learn from the greats I believer Raul's parental instincts took over. My son was a 16-years old musician at the time and my partner on this project so he had many questions and I believe Raul felt his responsibility to be honest. Carlos Santana gave me all the liberty to walk back stage and talk to the musicians. From Raul to Chester Thompson and others...they all ere so respectful, complimented each other and respected each other talent so much. Thank you for commenting on our work...more to come!

[@SanJoseBob]

First met him when he played with Carlos’ brother Jorge Santana in “MALO”. I used to go to Aquatic Park ‘65-69 in San Francisco to watch all these musicians Jam on the weekend. Raul was always “The Gentleman”, one of God’s Chosen. “Descansa en Paz” Mijo!…SanJoséBob

[@louiecolon9494]

Wow, Raul open his heart and shared a beautiful message. I thought it was wonderful to hear that he has GOD in his heart. the way he lay the massage out was very impressive." R.I.P "Raul ", I know that GOD open his arms to welcome you to he's kingdom..and you will be playing your Congas in heaven for GOD with all the inspiration that he has given you.

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Thank you Louie Colon...yes Raul continues to inspire us!

[@fendi-bull8167]

Raul Rekow was/is my idol since I heard Live at Sunrise, he always be my hero in percussion scene.

[@kennyc388]

Just now learning of Mr.Rekows passing. What a nice conga man he was.....I picked up on Santana about 1968 or 69 and I still listen to that wonderful soulful sound. I was always drawn to the solid percussion efforts aside from the obvious talents of Carlos. Black Magic Woman was the first cut I ever heard back when I was parking cars. I'm now 70 and still enjoy this hot earthy music. Our lives are so fucking short. Now living a beautiful comfortable relaxed lifestyle and by the way, I do not park cars any longer! LOL We sometimes, especially in my day, do not get to see these great musicians up close and personal, as they say. Raul is a beautiful, sensitive, articulate and educated man, full of realism and expression. Raul, you rock.

[@jamoney45]

Raul was a great player, more importantly, his playing brought happiness to many and especially me! RIP Raul, nothing against the current Santana Conquero, But I miss Raul!!!

[@alexlaureano17]

So many great congueros out there but Raul you really were very special rip we miss you brother ... 2021

[@vivacarlos9]

Had the honor of meeting Raul, just an awesome person.He had time for me, what an inspiring terrific soul.Thank you for sharing.

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Thank you shakerman! We were so lucky to gain Raul's trust and confidence to share his thoughts for the public. He was a great musician and a great human being!

[@steely_Bob]

I didn’t realize that Mr. Rekow had passed away. Like what he said about his passed ancestors playing thru him. He was 22 days older than me. RIP Raul Rekow. Thanks for the great music.

[@gilpaya7031]

Sin duda , junto con Armando Peraza ,uno de los mejores congueros. Su fuerza y su sonrisa al tocar,transmite optimismo y felicidad. Me gusta.

[@AndrewMcDify]

I feel and felt the same way with Raul about playing congas The first time I played the congas and when ever I here drums or congas I have to find out where they are coming from...lol Thanks for the upload....great stuff.... you won't find this anywhere

[@eddiedavis9947]

Omg!" I didn't know that raul past away in 2015!" No wonder I haven't seen him with the band. I'm sorry, my condolences to the rekow family. Rip my friend. You been with santana for years. God is taking you to a place where you can conga for the lord all day long my brother. Be strong mr. Carlos and the santana band.☮️☮️☮️✝️✝️✝️✝️🌹🌹🌹🪘🪘🪘🪘🪘🪘🪘🪘🪘🪘🪘✌️✌️🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎶🎶🥁🥁🥁🥁🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

[@DocuMamaFilms]

My condolences to you as well. We all miss his talent, mentorship and kindness!

[@andrewmartinez3073]

thank you jesus i got to meet with him at one of his local labs a few years ago he inspires me to keep on playing my congas and just playing and praying

[@daviddoyle4516]

I never saw Raul without a big ass smile on his face,,,,he was born for the conga ,,,,we miss you Raul,,,,you will be missed,,DD

[@dominiquelapointe8424]

Obviously, a very very nice guy! I’m so happy to have see him in Montreal before he passed away. One of my hero’s why I’m still on perc at 62 now.

[@juaneddyd]

Raul Rekow great inspiration as a conga player, lucky to have a mentor like Carlos for his spirituality. Thank you for all your work. God bless you and your family, Will be missed. Chino

[@bongofury3176]

Express not impress. Words of wisdom from one of the greatest players ever. I bought some of his LP bongos to remember him by. A real artist and sadly missed by everyone he inspired. Music is not the same without Raul...

[@MR-jf2zz]

Luckily, got a chance to meet him once at a Guitar Center drum clinic in Covina many many years ago.. A very genuinely great person. R.I.P.

[@Muz64]

Damn. I'm really sorry to hear this news...........I've been a big fan for years. Man, what a stud.

[@audreymorillo7436]

Amiga Barbara, cuando ví por 1era. vez a Raul en los 70's en la Banda Malo, no me imaginaba que vería a unos de los mejores interpretes de las congas, que junto con Ray Barreto, fueron los máximos exponentes de ese instrumento. Q.D.E.P. Nunca t olvidaré al igual que a Ray.

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Thank you Emile...he was a great musician and loved his family, friends and fans!

[@rubentirado1836]

The recent years I have shared with the percussion player Paoli M , which has toured with Santana. But this has been a sad event. RIP.

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Never forgotten

[@Lawrence_619]

I didnt know him from a ham sandwich......may he rest in paradise....but if you're a fan of Santana the band, there is NO WAY IN HELL, you're NOT a fan of Raul. His percussion playing, was literally the spine of that band. Watch a concert of theirs, and if you dont know Raul, all you gotta do is look for the cat with the big smile on his face. That's who is was. One of the great percussionists in the music industry...along with Paulinho da Costa, hands down.

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Thanks we all miss Raul!

[@iMikeyLuv]

Mr Raul: you are a million miles from a con artist. You my friend are an inspiration to me and many others. you redefined what it means to be a conga player in the modern age. I will remember mostly how you ALWAYS played with great joy......every night ,everywhere. Never taking a night off or just phoning it in. Santana grew from the gritty neighborhoods of San Fran into the musical force it is today. And you contributed mightily to this musical force.

[@EarlSundance]

Mi Hermano! thanks for so many years of inspiration! riGht oN!

[@MidniteClubII]

La Vida no es mas Que un Sueño... Un Sueño maravilloso pero corto... Enjoy Life to the Fullest... May the Great Spirit have you in a special Musical Place.. R.I.P. R.R..

[@victorlascano9194]

May the young 🙏 see and about all success of this man, love ❤️ brother, until we met again.

[@raymaynard4364]

RAUL Rule touched a lot of people well

[@juliolacayo1596]

RIP a great percussionista Raul

[@DebbieJacoboni]

great man with a special soul that showed us his inner greatness thru his music he will always be the best there ever was no question about that! play on raul

[@marc5610]

Thanks Brbara please put more video of Raul miss him very much.

[@carlconnor5173]

Loved Raul. He's quite right about how a Santana concert stays with you for weeks. Actually decades! And he was a driving force. A truly joyful one. But I didn't need to know all about his psychology.

[@theshakerman5757]

Thank you for putting this together. Raul was a good man- treated people so nicely, always smiling when around his never-ending rhythm family.... so nice to find this tribute!

[@douglasantoniobarreto383]

Raul que en el cielo sigas tocando las congas feliz viaje hermano

[@josephsorea4729]

We lost one of the best rest in peace Raul.

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Mark...thank you for your comments. Raul will never be forgotten as I plan to keep editing more of his thoughts to share.

[@542bful]

Quando comprei o cd do Santana "Corazon"percebi que o Raul R. não estava em todas as faixas e nos shows ele já não estava. Fiquei preocupado pois ele era fenômeno na banda. Hoje eu vi aqui pelo KZbin que ele havia falecido e fiquei triste. Deus e os espirito de luz que o proteja e sua familia também. O grande Raul esta no plano espiritual tocando nos momento de lazer e aqui na terra teve a missão e nos alegrar nossos corações e alma através do seu tento.

[@gilbertoabrego7643]

Raul uno de los percicionistas que mas admiro, la noticia me pego duro, ya que tengo muchos años escuchandolo

[@pablocanalisfernandez8904]

Un percusionista excepcional, procedente del grupo Malo. Fue leal al grupo Santana durante toda su carrera. Un pilar ritmico dificil de sustituir. Un abrazo a sus familiares y seres queridos❤

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Thank you for taking the time to comment on Rails interview...he was a good to my family in allowing us to follow his career with Carlos

[@rustbeltgypsy3713]

Thank You Raul ReKow for the years of Inspiration, music & art. R.I.P. ....-S.J.B.

[@ivansantiago9048]

i love raul he was always my favorite conga player and santana is not the same without him but i always hated the fact that he smoked after all he did die from cancer .

[@911nica]

Dear Barbara, this has so much lifted my spirit to hear my beloved lifetime friend's voice again. Thanks, I just found some beautiful tracks that he and I recorded in 1995. They are lively and my friend sounds terrific. Please friend me on Facebook if you can so we can keep in contact. I am Jorge Bermudez-Abuelito on FB. thanks for lifting me up a bit. Friends since we were 13. We began playing together along with Leo Rosales. He meant alot to me and my family.

[@guillermoftorres4809]

Had the honor of shaking hands with Raul in 2000 during the Supernatural tour in Dallas Tx. I will never forget his handshake because his hands were so callous from playing the congas for so many years. Last time I saw him in around 2014 he looked different, by then he fashion a pony tail. He looked different and was wearing some sort of device on him. Raul played his heart out that night as usual.Little did I know that he was battling cancer at the time. Just another example of his dedication to his craft. RIP Raul, we love you.

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Thank you for your comment. He was dedicated to his craft and never let the pain of hitting his conga interfer in his giving it 100 percent. A truly dedicated musician

[@carlosnovaes6993]

Awesome, Amazing, Divine Conguero! Groove Maker!!! God bless him and his family!!

[@NIO3954]

Great insight into one of my all time favorite percussionist! Thank you, Barbara for sharing this. RIP, Raul Rekow!!

[@kallewienciers3619]

Raul ich vermisse dich!mein liebster Santana Musiker ever!r.i.p

[@marianogabriel7272]

se fue un grande era un placer verlo tocar la congas genio total adios MAESRTO

[@athruzathruz]

what a beautiful human being Raul was, the only thing l didn't like about him was "that cigarette between his fingers" l see that on many of his videos and that's probably what affected his health, but man! he left us with a lot of beautiful memories and music, QUE DIOS TE TENGA EN LA GLORIA MI HERMANO!

[@DocuMamaFilms]

Thank you for your comments! Rauls was a GREAT musican and always open to share his wisdom .

[@percussionislife2341]

He spoke the truth, even today being a percussionist my band leader doesn't give us any space to shine, but you got to find that space yourself. Through that selfish behavior, you push yourself through. May your soul continue resting in eternal peace.

[@martinsanchez-hk9eq]

Un grana artista desde Malo, Sapo , Jorge y calos Santana descanse en paz, Harmeno Raul Rekow. En congas uno de los mejores

[@orlygarcia3922]

it's been misty rain over Dolores park ever since you been gone. And you playing with the rumberos MAYORES in heaven. Chano,Mongo, Aquabella, Armando,Patato y Tata Guines were waiting and, you simply smiled beautifully & took you're place among them. We miss you RAUL and thanks!

[@joseselgado1546]

Soory about the love ones of Raul Rekow I just found out to weeks ago he had R.I.P. of all the Conga player I known Raul was my #one the smile he had he was awesome he had a heart on his music Que Dios Este con so familia A dios.

[@SteamAllchill]

Jose Selgado what an amazing man Raul

[@DocuMamaFilms]

mil gracias...fue un musicio...all Lo maximo!

[@DocuMamaFilms]

thanks...more clips of Raul's thoughts...he always made time to give advice to young musicians...

[@paulorobertomachado4660]

Além de ser um craque na percussão, tocava com alegria e vontade. Raul será sempre lembrado! Uma perda considerável, a meu ver, para Santana.

[@sevadaj]

R.I.P. Raul.

[@rhythmantic]

Hey Barbara, thanks for sharing this insightful look into the mind, heart and soul of Raul. I've never heard him speak, he was very introspective and articulate. Prior, I only knew him through his drumming and clearly he had joy for the music.

[@johnjroldan5130]

Thank you so much for sharing this video with the world. RIP Raul!

[@DocuMamaFilms]

I'm so happy to share my back stage pass videos of Raul and the Santana band...more episodes to come!