Paco de Lucía Has Passed Away

The flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía died this morning at age 66 of a heart attack while on a beach in Mexico where he had a house in which he lived year round. Apparently the teacher began to feel ill while playing with one of his grandchildren. The artist died on way to hospital.

Born in Algeciras (Cádiz) on December 21, 1947, De Lucia is considered one of the great masters of the Spanish flamenco guitar.

The family is deciding right now the transfer of the remains of the artist to his homeland, Algeciras. Meanwhile, the Cadiz council will enact the official mourning while Mayor José Ignacio Landaluce, has said that it is » an irreparable loss to the world of Culture , Andalusia «.

While the majority of his work is flamenco, he has recorded some works in other styles, such as fusion of flamenco with jazz and other international music.

Since 1967, when he released his first solo album, ‘La fabulosa guitarra de Paco de Lucía’  became the most innovative and influential Flamenco artist of his generation. Undoubtedly he established himself as one of the best guitarists in the world, taking his music beyond our borders .

His vocation came to him from family: his mother, Lucia Gomez «La Portuguesa» and his father, Antonio Sanchez, who was the first to give guitar lessons. His brothers were also Flamenco artists : Pepe de Lucía, professional singer, and the late Ramón de Algeciras, a professional guitarist.

He began playing guitar at age seven and at the young age of fourteen he recorded his first album with his brother Pepe, in the duet ‘Los chiquitos de Algeciras ‘. For many years, the brothers accompanied him on recordings and tours.

Thousands of people on Twitter have shown their condolences and respects to the family of this great artist. Strangers and famous people have not hesitated to praise this artist and devote a few words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOiaoKrmwFQ