Paco Ibanez

Paco Ibáñez is a legendary Spanish singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his poetic, politically charged folk music. Born in Valencia in 1934, he grew up in a family of Spanish Republicans exiled to France after the Civil War, which deeply influenced his artistic perspective. Ibáñez became a symbol of resistance during Franco’s dictatorship by setting the works of iconic poets like Federico García Lorca, Rafael Alberti, and Miguel Hernández to hauntingly beautiful guitar melodies. His performances blended raw emotion with subtle defiance, earning him a devoted following across Europe and Latin America.

Though rooted in Spanish tradition, Ibáñez’s work embraces diverse influences, from French chanson (as heard in his *Canta a Brassens* tribute) to Sephardic Jewish musical heritage (*Gul Pembe : Chants du Sefarland*). Albums like *A flor de Tiempo* showcase his timeless fusion of poetry and protest, delivered with his signature warm vocals and intricate guitar work. Now in his 90s, Ibáñez remains a beloved figure in Iberian counterculture, celebrated for turning verse into velvet rebellion.