Flamenco Legend Gaspar de Utrera Dies at 75

One of Flamenco's most iconic figures, Gaspar de Utrera, died Tuesday, February 26, in Utrera (Sevilla province). He had been homebound for nearly a year due to a long illness.

Sadly he died before the tribute that was scheduled for March 3rd to honor his musical career. The sold-out event, organized by Fundación Machado, Cajasol, Agencia Andaluza del Flamenco and Confederación de Peñas Flamencas, will still take place. It will be held March 3 at 8:30 pm at Sala Joaquín Turina in Sevilla (Spain).

Gaspar de Utrera (Gaspar Fernández Fernández, Utrera) was born in 1932. He was regarded as one of the best Flamenco singers of the 20th century. He spent many years in Madrid, performing at various tablaos. In the 1970s he returned to his hometown of Utrera and chose to perform primarily at peñas (Flamenco fan clubs) and festivals near by. He was known as a great performer of the rhythmic bulerías..