One of the most important guitarists of flamenco music: Who is Paco de Lucia?

Francisco Sanchez Gomes, who passed away on February 25, 2014, known by his stage name Paco de Lucia, was born on December 21, 1947, in Cadiz - Algeciras, Spain.

In addition to being one of the most successful guitarists of flamenco music, he is also a composer. He is also considered the master of Rasgueado and Picado because he can use the guitar extremely fast.

Family

Paco de Lucia was born as the youngest child of Lucia Gomes and Flamenco guitarist Antonio Sanchez.

One of his older brothers is the famous Flamenco singer Pepe de Lucia; Another is Ramon de Algeciras, also a famous Flamenco guitarist.

Beginning of His Career

Paco de Lucia first met the audience on Radio Algeciras in 1958, when he was only 11 years old.

A year later, Paco de Lucia, who was deemed worthy of a special award at the Jerez Flamenco competition, went on tour with dancer José Greco's Flamenco group in 1961 and took part in concerts in various countries.

First Albums

Paco de Lucia, who moved to Madrid with his family in 1964 when he returned to Spain, made three albums with Madrilenian guitarist Ricardo Modrego.

In 1966, he recorded three more albums with his brother Ramon de Algeciras, and in 1967, he released his first solo album, La Fabulosa Guitarra de Paco de Lucia.

Stage Name

The successful artist took his stage name, which means 'Child of Lucia', in honor of his mother, Lucia Gomes.

Contribution of Flamenco to Music

Paco de Lucia, who produced works in local music, classical music, jazz, and funk genres as well as flamenco, removed flamenco music from its traditional structure and integrated it with other world music, especially jazz.

Although he has been criticized for adding different instruments while making music, this innovative and experimental approach has enabled him to gain a respected place in the music world.

1968 – 1991

Paco de Lucia, who recorded 10 albums with his friend Camaron de la Isla, a Nuevo (New) Flamenco musician, between 1968 and 1977, has been interested in jazz fusion style since the late 1970s and reflected this in his album Elegant Gypsy.

In 1979, he went on a European tour with the Guitar Trio he founded with John McLaughlin and Larry Coryell, and during the tour, they recorded a video called Meeting of Souls at the Royal Albert Hall, London. In the future, Coryell was replaced by Al Di Meola.

The Guitar Trio has released three albums since 1981.

The first album of Paco de Lucia Sextet, which Paco de Lucia founded with his brothers Pepe de Lucia and Ramon de Algeciras, was released in 1981. The group organized a European tour the same year.

Francisco Sánchez Gómez (21 December 1947 – 25 February 2014), known as Paco de Lucía was a Spanish virtuoso flamenco guitarist, composer, and record producer. A leading proponent of the new flamenco style, he was one of the first flamenco guitarists to branch into classical and jazz. Richard Chapman and Eric Clapton, authors of Guitar: Music, History, Players, describe de Lucía as a "titanic figure in the world of flamenco guitar", and Dennis Koster, author of Guitar Atlas, Flamenco, has referred to de Lucía as "one of history's greatest guitarists".

Awards

Paco de Lucia, who has produced solo albums in both traditional and modern Flamenco genres throughout his musical career, won the art award at the Prince of Asturias Awards in 2004.

On March 23, 2007, Cadiz University awarded him the Doctor Honoris Causa (honorary doctorate) degree for his musical and cultural contributions.

Movies in which he appeared

He took part with his guitar in three films, Carmen, Sevillanas, and Flamenco Flamenco, directed by Carlos Saura in 1983, 1992, and 2010.

Death

The successful musician died on February 25, 2014, due to a heart attack while playing on the beach with his children.