Pedro Pubill Calaf, better known as Peret, was a Spanish gypsy singer, guitarist, and the undisputed king of the Catalan rumba, also known as rumba gitana. Born on March 24, 1935, in Mataró, Catalonia, Spain, Peret's music was a vibrant blend of flamenco, rock & roll, and Latin rhythms, which became synonymous with the festive spirit of Barcelona's streets.
Peret rose to prominence in the 1960s and 70s, infusing the traditional Spanish genre with contemporary sounds and storytelling. His career was marked by international hits such as "Borriquito" and "El Muerto Vivo." Peret's charismatic performances and innovative sound helped to elevate rumba gitana to a global stage. He was a pioneer in using the "ventilador" strumming technique on the guitar, a hallmark of the rumba sound. His oeuvre includes a rich catalog of albums like "Peret y Su Rumba Gitana" and "Gitana Hechicera," showcasing his mastery of the genre. Later works such as "Des del Respecte / Desde el Respeto" reflected his continuing evolution as an artist and his respect for the roots of rumba. Peret remained active in the music scene until his passing on August 27, 2014, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence musicians within the genre and beyond.
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