Claire Wilson
FLAMENCO guitarist Paco de Lucia has died during a family holiday in Mexico.
The 66-year-old, who was born in Algeciras, had a heart attack in the early hours of this morning.
Paco de Lucia has been credited with shaking up the flamenco scene, and injecting a unique combination of jazz, rock, and blues rhythms into the traditional gypsy music.
He began performing live aged 12 alongside his brother, Pepe, and the pair scooped the top prize in a Jerez singing contest in 1961 which led to the release of his first studio album.
In a career which went on to span more than 50 years, he won numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Flamenco Album 2004, the National Award for Flamenco Guitar, and the Gold Medal of Merit Fine Arts.
In a statement, the Junta in Cadiz expressed their sorrow at his passing, and declared three days of mourning.
One of the best flamenco guitarists ever – The trio of Paco/Al Di Meola/John Maclaughlin in San Francisco – stunning playing from all 3, heard through a good sound rig – what more could you want.
Only one other modern flamenco guitarist could compete – Manitas de Plata.
So,so sad to hear. He was truly one of the best.
I was extremely fortunate to have had the pleasure of seeing the maestro live about three years ago at the Festival de la Guitarra in Cordoba in front of 7,000 people at the Teatro Axerquia. It was one of the most magical nights I’ve ever experienced % his guitar playing was supreme. Sadly we’ll never get to see him again, but his legend will live long. May he rest in peace.
Paco’s music is now so far developed that it is so beautiful and so totally improvised that heart and hand work seamlessly together. A great loss to his family, to Spain and to Flamenco.
His works with “Cameron de la isla” are memorable. Sadly neither him or Cameron are with us today. The Angles in heaven must Olaying all the way.
RIP.
Very sad news, so much more to have come. Missed his London concert but planned to catch him somewhere around the world this year. His Concierge to Aranjuez one of the most moving pieces of music so beautifully played will forever remain in my memory.