Obituary of Raul Matthew Rekow

The Rekow Family asks you to join them for a musical celebration of Raul Rekow's life at The Great American Music Hall on Sunday, November 15, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. There will be live music, sharing of fond memories and smiles all around… Just as Raul would have wanted it. Raul was an integral part of the Santana Band for almost 4 decades (from 1976 to 2013). Coming from the Mission District of San Francisco (the heart of Latin Rock) he worked his way up playing for Dakila, Malo and Sapo prior to joining Santana. Not only an impassioned performer, Raul was also a clinician of Latin music and drumming. Carlos Santana had this to say on a Facebook posting recently, "We mourn the loss of my brother, Raul Rekow. He was an integral member of Santana for 34 years and the heart beat of the band. His presence on the stage was one of power, grace, collaboration and joy. He redefined what it means to be a conga player. My heart goes out to his family. Raul, may you soar in heaven in the company of your Mom and Dad." Over the years Raul has lent his talents to recording and performing with artists including Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston, Tremaine Hawkins and Herbie Hancock. When off the stage with Santana, Raul also loved to perform with local groups in the Bay Area (his home), which included many of his musician fans, friends and family. He never forgot the musicians that he began with under the Golden Gate Bridge at Aquatic Park. A Celebration of Life For Raul Rekow Great American Music Hall 859 O'Farrell Street San Francisco, CA 94109 Sunday - November 15, 2015 4:00 - 8:00PM Donations for Rekow Family may be made at the Great American Music Hall on the night of the event or online at http://www.gofundme.com/raulrekow If I should go tomorrow, It would never be goodbye, For I have left my heart with you, So don't you ever cry. The love that's deep within me, Shall reach you from the stars, You'll feel it from the heavens, And it will heal your scars.