Written by Peter Green, 1968 · Santana's hit, 1970
“Black Magic Woman” was written by Peter Green and first recorded by Fleetwood Mac in 1968. Santana's 1970 Latin-rock cover became the far bigger hit — which is why many listeners know the song without knowing Green wrote it.
It's one of rock's great cases of mistaken authorship. Peter Green wrote “Black Magic Woman” and Fleetwood Mac released it as a single in 1968, a smoky blues built around Green's phrasing.
Two years later, Santana recut it as a percussive Latin-rock workout on the album Abraxas, and that version became a worldwide standard. The song is so tied to Santana now that its origin often surprises people — a recurring theme with Peter Green, whose songs frequently became more famous in others' hands.
Who wrote “Black Magic Woman”?
Peter Green wrote it for Fleetwood Mac in 1968.
Is the Santana version a cover?
Yes — Santana's 1970 recording is a cover of Peter Green's original.
Sources: Peter Green (musician), Wikipedia · Black Magic Woman, Wikipedia