José Monje Cruz, better known as Camarón de la Isla, was a legendary flamenco singer from Spain, whose impact on the genre is profound and enduring. Born on December 5, 1950, in San Fernando, Cádiz, his Gypsy heritage deeply influenced his music. Camarón, which means "shrimp" in Spanish—a nickname attributed to his small stature and pale complexion—would become a name synonymous with flamenco music itself. He began singing in venta bars where family gatherings were rife with flamenco music, and by the age of 16, he was already performing at the famous Torres Bermejas flamenco club in Madrid. His distinctive voice, at once raw and tender, had the capacity to convey the deepest emotions of the traditional cante jondo ("deep song").

Camarón's career was marked by innovative collaborations, most notably with virtuoso flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía. This partnership produced several iconic albums that redefined flamenco music, infusing it with new life and broader appeal. Despite struggling with drug addiction throughout his career, Camarón's passion for flamenco never waned. His final album, "Potro De Rabia Y Miel," was completed shortly before his tragic death from lung cancer in 1992. Camarón de la Isla left behind a monumental legacy, pioneering the modern flamenco sound and influencing generations of musicians. His posthumous releases, such as those remastered in 2018, continue to celebrate the rich and soul-stirring contributions he made to the world of music.

Genres

Cante Flamenco

Flamenco

Pop Flamenco

Rumba

Related Artists

Tomatito

Paco de Lucía

Jose Merce

Enrique Morente

Vicente Amigo

Estrella Morente

Lole Y Manuel

Bunbury

Joaquín Sabina

Manolo Sanlucar

Nico

Niña Pastori

Latest Release

La Cruz Del Campo

Camaron De La Isla

Single - Released January 21, 2024