Biography[edit]

Sabicas was born in Pamplona, Spain, and began playing guitar at the age of five and made his
performing debut two years later. His early style was influenced by Ramón Montoya, to whom he
was related on his mother's side of the family.[2] Extensive collaboration with
important cantaores (male flamenco singers) of the period helped him develop his personal style.
Leaving Spain in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War, he went into exile in South
America with bailaora (dancer) Carmen Amaya. He lived in Mexico City, married Esperanza
González Erazo and had four children: Maricruz 1944, Carlos 1946, Agustine 1952 and Margaret
1956. Agustine and Margaret live in New York City, Maricruz lives in Alaska, and Carlos is
deceased. Amaya and Sabicas toured together several times. Sabicas later settled in New York
City in the United States where he formed a life-long friendship and business association with
classical guitarist Rolando Valdés-Blain. He did not return to his native Spain until 1967.[3]
Sabicas was instrumental in the introduction of flamenco to audiences outside of Spain and the
Spanish-speaking world. He was probably best known for his technical skills: blazingly
fast picados (scales), fast arpeggios, quality composition for the many forms of flamenco, and
infallible rhythm, which was critical when playing with a dancer. He was also considered to
have perfect pitch. "The finest technique around has got to be Sabicas, the flamenco player," Chet
Atkins told Guitar Player Magazine in March 1972.[4]
Sabicas was one of flamenco's greatest guitarists, not only as a technician, but also as a composer.
He played flamenco at a previously unimaginable level and created new techniques, opening up new
possibilities for the solo instrument. He brought his art to concert halls and major theaters, making it
available to all classes. Modern players such as Paco de Lucía, Tomatito, Serranito, René Heredia,
Juan Manuel Cañizares, El Viejín, Vicente Amigo, Gerardo Nuñez, Javier Conde and many more
acknowledge the great influence of Sabicas's music.
Sabicas died at the age of 78 at a hospital in Manhattan, New York, of complications from
pneumonia and multiple strokes.[5]

Discography