1. Sabicas was a Spanish flamenco guitarist of Romani origin.
11 Facts About Sabicas
1. 2.
Sabicas was born in Pamplona, Spain, and began playing guitar at the age of five and made his performing debut two years later.
3.
Sabicas lived in Mexico City, married Esperanza Gonzalez Erazo and had four children of the marriage: Maricruz 1944, Carlos 1946, Agustine 1952 and Margaret 1956.
4.
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 Valdes-Blain.
5.
Sabicas did not return to his native Spain until 1967.
6.
Sabicas was instrumental in the introduction of flamenco to audiences outside of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world.
7.
Sabicas was probably best known for his technical skills: blazingly fast picados, fast arpeggios, quality composition for the many forms of flamenco, and infallible rhythm, which was critical when playing with a dancer.
8.
Sabicas was one of flamenco's greatest guitarists, not only as a technician, but as a composer.
9.
Sabicas played flamenco at a previously unimaginable level and created new techniques, opening up new possibilities for the solo instrument.
10.
Sabicas brought his art to concert halls and major theaters, making it available to all classes.
11.
Sabicas died at the age of 78 at a hospital in New York, New York, of complications from pneumonia and multiple strokes.