In 1970, Neal Schon turned down one of rock’s greatest guitarists. Years later, his decision paid off

In 1970, teenage guitarist Neal Schon was invited to join Eric Clapton’s newly forming Derek and the Dominos, but chose instead to join Carlos Santana’s band. The article presents that decision as a turning point: Schon later helped form Journey with Santana bandmate Gregg Rolie, becoming part of a group whose songs reached a much wider audience.

Schon said he had spent about three and a half months with Rolie and Santana and believed they would ask him to join; both offers came around the same time, and he followed his instinct. The article notes that Derek and the Dominos soon fell apart, while Schon went on to a long career with Journey, including its hit “Don’t Stop Believin’”. It also credits his guitar playing with adding a rock edge to the band’s melodic sound.