Quick Facts
Biography
Marcus "The Magnificent" Malone is an American percussionist, former member of the Latin rock band Santana.
Career
Santana was formed in 1967 in San Francisco with Malone playing as the band's percussionist, specializing in Latin instruments. Originally known as Carlos Santana Blues Band, the group found little success in the music scene until it was slated to perform at the upcoming Woodstock Music Festival and began work on its debut album Santana.However, by this point, Malone had already been convicted of manslaughter and had started serving his sentence in San Quentin State Prison.
Since his release from prison in 1973, Malone had been living on the streets of Oakland until being accidentally discovered by KRON-TV field reporter Stanley Roberts in December 2013. Malone and Carlos Santana subsequently had an emotional reunion, and the former was set to once again play as a percussionist on Santana's upcoming album Santana IV. In the end, Malone wasn't featured on Santana IV.
On June 18, 2016, Malone was critically injured by an unsecured tire that flew off a passing car in Oakland and knocked backwards onto the sidewalk. He was placed on life support at Oakland's Highland Hospital. A crowdfunding GoFundMe page for his medical expenses was set up by his personal manager and nephew, Carl Jacobs. Malone was transferred to a skilled nursing facility in Alameda, CA.
Albums
With Santana
- Live at the Fillmore 1968 (1997)
- The Very Best of Santana – Live in 1968 (2007)