Spanish Flamenco Music

Camarón de la Isla, born José Monje Cruz, came by his stage name "Camarón" due to his blonde hair and "de la isla" (from the Island) due to his birth place (San Fernando, Cádiz). Cameron began singing at the early age of eight and 11 years later, he recorded his first album together with guitarist Paco de Lucía, who was at that time 21 years of age.

Soon afterwards, Camarón was known as Príncipe de la Isla (Prince of the Island), the Mick Jagger from Cádiz. In 1979 he changed his style and delighted fans with a totally different musical concept. In 1980 he released a new album "La leyenda del tiempo" which had considerable impact with its innovations on the traditional Flamenco styles existent until that time. Influences from rock, jazz and also oriental music are evident in this record, a style termed 'new flamenco' or 'flamenco fusion'. Together with two other renowned musicians, Kiki Veneno and Raimundo Amador, Camarón created the famous song "La Tarara".

Camarón de la Isla incorporated totally new musical instruments into his music, which had never before been used in Flamenco music, such as the double bass, percussion, keyboards, electric guitar, flute and the zither. His album "La leyenda del tiempo" sold a total of 5842 copies. Camarón also began working with guitarist Tomatito and both continued their partnership until Camarón’s death.

On January 25, 1992, Camarón performed at what turned out to be his last concert in Madrid, Spain. The artist died on July 2 of the same year, at the young age of 41, from lung cancer. All of San Fernando took to the streets that day, in honor of this musical achievements.