The band was formed in 1971 by keyboardist and composer Aleksandar "Sanja" Ilić, who gathered former members of the beat bands Smeli, Samonikli, Bele Višnje and Vragolani.[1] The band consisted of Ilić (keyboards), Predrag Jovičić (vocals), Aleksandar Slaviković (guitar), Dragoslav Jovanović (bass guitar) and Aleksandar Grujić (drums).[1]
In 1971, the band released their first 7-inch single, featuring the songs "Tebe sam želeo" ("I Wanted You") and "Helena", through PGP-RTB.[2] Two years later, the band released the single with the songs "Papirni brodovi" ("Paper Ships") and "Hej, malena" ("Hey, Little Girl").[2] In 1974, the band released three 7-inch singles: the first one featuring the songs "Legenda" ("Legend") and "Milena", the second one featuring the songs "Jedan svet za sve" ("One World for All") and "Srce na dlanu" ("Heart on a Sleeve"), and the third one featuring the songs "Anabela" and "Zvezda ljubavi" ("Love Star").[2] With the song "Legenda", the band won the Second Prize on 1974 Festival Omladina in Subotica.[3] During these several years, Ilić wrote music for the film ITD (ETC.) and the rock operaArhanđeli i automati (Archangels and Automatons) performed in Belgrade's Dadov Theatre.[1]
On February 2, 1975, during a concert at Čair Hall in Niš, Jovičić died from an electric shock.[2] Ilić decided to disband San and never to perform in a rock band again.[2]
Post-breakup
After San disbanded, Ilić continued his career as a composer.[2]