Gipsy Kings

Biography

The Gipsy Kings are a group of musicians from Arles and Montpellier in the south of France. The members are of Spanish Romani descent, whose parents fled Catalonia during the Spanish Civil War. The band is fronted by songwriters and producers Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo. Nicolas Reyes is the lead vocalist, while Tonino Baliardo is the lead guitarist. The group is known for bringing their pop-oriented rumba flamenca to a worldwide audience. Their music blends flamenco, salsa, and pop.

The Beginning

In the 1970s, Jose Reyes, the father of future Gipsy Kings member Nicolas Reyes, formed a celebrated flamenco duo with Manitas de Plata. After the duo parted ways, Jose Reyes formed his own band called Los Reyes, which included his sons. The name "Los Reyes" means "The Kings" in Spanish. After their father's death in 1979, the Reyes brothers joined with the Baliardo brothers. Traveling through France, they played at weddings, festivals, and on the streets. Adopting a gypsy lifestyle, they eventually changed their name to the Gipsy Kings. Their first two albums, "Allegria" (1982) and "Luna de Fuego" (1983), received little attention.

Worldwide Success

The Gipsy Kings' big break came in 1986 when they teamed up with producer Claude Martinez. Their self-titled album, "Gipsy Kings," was released in 1987 and became a worldwide hit. The album included the hit singles "Bamboléo" and "Djobi Djoba." It spent 40 weeks on the U.S. charts, a rare achievement for a Spanish-language album. Over their career, the Gipsy Kings have sold nearly twenty million albums.

Musical Style

The Gipsy Kings' music is described as a fusion of rumba gitano, which marries the rumba rhythm of South America with the fleet attack of flamenco guitars. Over the years, their music has incorporated elements of Latin and Cuban styles, Arabic music, reggae, and jazz guitar reminiscent of French Gypsy master Django Reinhardt. They have been criticized by flamenco purists for their use of drum kits, electronic bass, and keyboards. However, they are also credited with helping to create a new musical style.

Later Career

The band has continued to tour globally and release albums. In 2013, their album "Savor Flamenco" won a Grammy Award for Best World Music Album. This was the first time the Gipsy Kings had produced an album themselves and written all the material. Even after decades of performing, the band members remain connected to their roots, living with their families in the south of France. Various members have also undertaken solo projects. Different iterations of the band, led by various members of the Reyes and Baliardo families, continue to perform.