- LAS VEGAS: Carlos Santana knows a bit about classic songs: After all, he's made a few of them himself, from "Oye Como Va" to the more recent "Smooth."
But for his latest album, the guitar god took on some timeless songs from others. "Guitar Heaven ... The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time," was created by Santana and music mogul Clive Davis as a collection of covers of some of the best-known songs in rock. "These songs ... to me, are like women that belonged to Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton," said Santana in a recent interview. "I had the courage to take them out on a date. I feel very grateful, and pretty certain that if I take them out they will go out with me again." The guitarist paired up with several singers on the album. Chris Daughtry helps provide an updated version of Def Leppard's "Photograph." Gavin Rossdale lends energy to T. Rex's "Bang A Gong" and a soulful India.Arie gives The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" an earthy vibe. Santana is also working on original material. The album "Shape Shifter" is set for release next spring. Before that, though, he'll take on something closer to his heart: Santana and Cindy Blackman, his drummer, plan to marry Dec. 19 in Maui, Hawaii.

