Sonic Legacy: “Winning” — Santana’s Anthem of Triumph

What happens when one of rock’s most legendary guitarists takes Santana in a new direction? On this episode of Sonic Legacy, we take a deep dive into “Winning,” Santana’s 1981 hit written by Russ Ballard and featuring vocalist Alex Ligertwood. Released during a new chapter in Santana’s career, “Winning” brought together Carlos Santana’s unmistakable guitar sound with a powerful rock vocal and an uplifting message about perseverance, determination, and overcoming the odds. We look back at the story behind the song, Santana’s recording, its chart success, Alex Ligertwood’s contribution, the song’s place in Santana’s career, and why “Winning” remains a memorable piece of the band’s musical legacy. The song reached #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981 and became one of Santana’s recognizable hits from the era. 🎸 Sonic Legacy celebrates the songs that become part of the soundtrack of our lives — the iconic classics, forgotten gems, and powerful songs that deserve to be remembered. So turn it up and join us as we revisit Santana and “Winning.” 🎵 Song: “Winning” 🎤 Artist: Santana ✍️ Written by: Russ Ballard 📅 Released: 1981 📈 Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #17 #Santana #Winning #CarlosSantana #SonicLegacy #RussBallard #AlexLigertwood #ClassicRock #RockMusic #80sMusic #80sRock #SantanaWinning #MusicHistory #RockHistory #ClassicHits #forgottengems Santana Winning Santana Winning song Winning by Santana Santana Winning 1981 Carlos Santana Winning Carlos Santana Winning song Winning Santana 1981 Santana 1981 Santana songs Santana hits Santana greatest hits Santana classic songs Santana rock songs Santana Alex Ligertwood Alex Ligertwood Russ Ballard Winning Russ Ballard Santana Winning song history Winning song Santana meaning Santana Billboard Santana Billboard Hot 100 Santana Billboard 1981 Santana #17 1981 music 1980s music 80s rock 80s classic rock classic rock classic rock songs rock music history music history forgotten 80s songs underrated Santana songs Sonic Legacy podcast Sonic Legacy Santana Sonic Legacy Winning songs that stand the test of time songs that became classics music podcast classic music podcast