Willie Bobo (William Correa) studied with Mongo Santamaria and at 19 joined Tito Puente's band. Later he worked with Perez Prado, Cal Tjader and George Shearing and as a sideman for the likes of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Wes Montgomery, Cannonball Adderley, Chico Hamilton and Sonny Stitt. Originally recorded in 1965 "Evil Ways" was composed by Bobo's guitarist Sonny Henry and appears on the 1967 album "Bobo Motion".

Santana released their debut album "Santana" and "Evil Ways" in 1969 shortly after their appearance at Woodstock. It became their first top ten record featuring the vocals of Gregg Rolie.