Nuevo Flamenco Pioneer Manzanita Dies at 48

Manzanita
Manzanita
Alhaurín De La Torre, Málaga, Spain – City officials announced that Flamenco singer and guitarist, José Ortega Heredia, also known as ‘Manzanita,’ died last night of a heart attack at his home, in Alhaurín de la Torre, Málaga (Spain). He was 48.

A police spokesman informed that Manzanita will be buried Tuesday, December 7, at 10 a.m. in the Alhaurín de la Torre cemetery.

Manzanita was born in Madrid on February 7, 1956. He was the son of Andalusian Gypsy performers and was the nephew of Manolo Caracol. At the age of 9, he played at Flamenco nightclubs, where his father performed as a singer (cantaor). At 11, he accompanied renowned Flamenco singer Enrique Morente. In 1974 he formed Los Chorbos, part of the Cañorroto Gypsy sound.

In 1977, Manzanita started a solo career. His first solo album, Poco ruido y mucho duende, came out in 1978.

He was one of the pioneers of Nuevo Flamenco, combining rumba, salsa and other elements.

Author: Angel Romero

Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.

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