CARLOS SAYS SI TO
RE-UPPING WITH ARISTA

Grammy-award winning musician Carlos Santana, whose "Supernatural" album has been topping music charts for a year, confirmed on Thursday that he will stay at Arista Records despite the imminent departure of music legend clive davis',390,400);">clive davis',390,400);">Clive Davis, who helped resurrect the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer's recording career.

Santana's re-signing at the label had been expected and was first reported here (hitsdailydouble.com 6/27).

Santana has re-signed with the label pursuant to a long-term, multi-album contract, effective July 1, 2000, said BMG Entertainment, Arista's parent company.

Santana's long career in rock & roll was languishing until Davis teamed him up with various new musicians, including matchbox twenty's Rob Thomas and Everlast, for "Supernatural," which contained the mega-hits "Smooth" and "Maria, Maria." Arista said the album, which won nine Grammy awards including Best album, has sold 20 million units worldwide.

Santana's decision was seen as a surprise by industry insiders since the guitar virtuoso had been very vocal about his desire to remain with Davis.

"I am very happy to have come to this new agreement with Arista on this Supernatural odyssey," Santana said in a statement from Arista, which made no mention of Davis.

The new Arista deal was announced by President and Chief executive officer Antonio "L.A." Reid, who officially takes office next week.