Pepe Habichuela, one of the most influential guitarists in the history of flamenco, died this Tuesday at the age of 82 in Madrid, where he lived. The musician had been retired from the stage since the summer of 2024 due to illness.
Born in Sacromonte de Granada and a member of one of the great flamenco sagas, Habichuela stood out for his unmistakable touch and powerful strumming that left a deep mark on the flamenco guitar.
Throughout his career he accompanied figures such as Camarón de la Isla, Enrique Morente, Pepe Marchena, Juanito Valderrama, La Paquera de Jerez and Fosforito. He also collaborated with musicians from other genres, including Dave Holland, Don Cherry, Jaco Pastorius, Anoushka Shankar and Nitin Sawhney, taking flamenco beyond its borders.
After hearing the news, both the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and the Cultural Delegate of the Madrid City Council, Marta Rivera de la Cruz, have highlighted the legacy of an artist fundamental to the history of flamenco.
