Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Spain

 

The Gipsy Kings are a group of musicians from Arles and Montpellier in the south of France. The group was formed in the late 1970s by two families, the Reyes and the Baliardos, who are of Spanish Romani descent. The group's music is a blend of traditional flamenco and pop music, with influences from Latin American and Arabic music. The Reyes family, originally from Arles, had a long history of performing flamenco music. The family's patriarch, Jose Reyes, was a well-known flamenco singer who had performed with the legendary guitarist Manitas de Plata. Jose's sons, Nicolas, Andre, and Patchai, grew up performing with their father and eventually formed their own group, Los Reyes. Meanwhile, in Montpellier, the Baliardo family had also been performing flamenco music for generations. The family's patriarch, Jose Reyes' cousin Ricardo Baliardo, was a guitarist who had played with the likes of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. Ricardo's sons, Tonino and Paco, also grew up playing flamenco music and eventually joined forces with the Reyes brothers. The group began performing together in the late 1970s, playing in restaurants and at weddings and other events. They quickly gained a following and were soon signed to a record label. Their first album, "Gipsy Kings," was released in 1987 and became a huge success, selling over 14 million copies worldwide. The group's music is characterized by its upbeat rhythms, catchy melodies, and virtuosic guitar playing. The songs often feature lyrics in Spanish and French, as well as Romani, the language of the group's ancestors. The group's sound is also heavily influenced by the music of the Andalusian region of Spain, where flamenco originated. Some of the group's most popular songs include "Bamboleo," "Volare," and "Djobi Djoba." These songs have become staples of the group's live performances and are often played at weddings and other celebrations. In addition to their commercial success, the Gipsy Kings have also been recognized for their contributions to music. They have won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album in 1990. They have also been inducted into the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame. Despite their success, the group has faced some challenges over the years. In 1991, the group's lead singer, Nicolas Reyes, was arrested for drug possession. He was later released and the group continued to perform and record. In 2013, the group's guitarist, Paco Baliardo, announced that he was leaving the group to pursue other projects. He was replaced by his nephew, Diego Baliardo. Today, the Gipsy Kings continue to tour and record new music. They have released over 20 albums and have sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Their music has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including "The Big Lebowski" and "Glee." In conclusion, the Gipsy Kings are a group of musicians who have made a significant contribution to the world of music. Their unique blend of flamenco, pop, and Latin American music has won them fans all over the world. Despite facing some challenges over the years, the group has continued to perform and record new music, and their legacy is sure to endure for many years to come.

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