Flamenco cante jondo
April 19, 2023
The most important flamenco singers in history.
May 23, 2023Lola Flores, the revolutionary of flamenco, turns 100 years old and her hometown, Jerez de la Frontera, pays tribute to her with the opening of a museum that reviews her outstanding career.
This icon of art is still alive in the hearts of the public. Since her birth in 1923, Lola Flores has left an indelible mark on the history of flamenco and copla, becoming an ambassador of these musical genres. This iconic figure of the 20th century was one of the most versatile artists of her time, excelling in singing, dancing, acting and presenting television programs. On this occasion, we will review the life of this incomparable artist.
From an early age, Lola Flores began singing at parties, family events and some flamenco shows. flamenco shows.. Her official debut took place in October 1939, in the show 'Luces de España' in a theater in her hometown, Jerez.
Thanks to her talent and overwhelming personality, Lola Flores caught the attention of theater impresarios and music masters. Soon after, the opportunity to go to Madrid presented itself, and she and her family moved to the capital. In 1943, she took part in the show 'Zambra' with the famous flamenco singer Manolo Caracol. This event was decisive both in her professional career and in her sentimental life.
During the 1950s, Lola Flores starred in almost twenty films, toured Latin America, where she was nicknamed 'La Faraona' in Mexico, and married the gypsy guitarist and composer Antonio González, known as 'El Pescaílla'. From this union three children were born: Lolita, Antonio and Rosario, all of them dedicated to music, giving birth to an outstanding artistic saga that continues to this day.
Her charisma and her sincerity in interviews made Lola Flores a beloved character in society.
Among his musical hits are 'La zarzamora' and 'El lerele', while in the cinema he stood out in films such as '¡Ay, pena, penita, pena!' and 'Embrujo'.
Sadly, Lola Flores passed away in 1995 due to cancer, leaving a great void in Spain. However, her legacy lives on and this year, in commemoration of her centenary, Jerez has named 2023 as the 'Year of Lola'. As part of this tribute, a museum has been opened in the city, called the Lola Flores Cultural Center or Lola Flores Museum, where her personal items, such as her tail coats, earrings, dresses and photographs, are on display.
This museum will be a unique place to tour and appreciate the legacy of Lola Flores, who always carried her land around the world. Its creation is the fulfillment of a dream for her closest circle and an opportunity for new generations to learn from this forward-thinking artist. The memory of Lola Flores lives on, and the museum is a testament to her greatness and her impact on the history of Spanish art.
But beyond museums, official acts and tributes, Lola Flores was a unique and unrepeatable flamenco artist, with an unparalleled self-confidence on and off stage, and in the popular imagination she leaves us many artistic and personal moments for history.
