Gipsy Kings

Who are the Gipsy Kings?

The Gipsy Kings are a French music artist and band formed in 1979 by two sets of brothers: Pablo, Canut, Nicolas, Patchaii and André Reyes, sons of José Reyes, the legendary singer from Manitas de Plata,  and Tonino, Diego and Paco Baliardo, nephews from Manitas de Plata, the legendary flamenco guitarrist.

Career History

The Gipsy Kings were born in Arles and Montpellier, South of France. They started out as street musicians in the late 1970s. After being discovered by producer Claude Martinez in 1987, they released their self-titled album the same year. This album was an instant success and propelled them to international fame. Since then, they have released ten more albums which have all been praised for their unique style.

Achievements

The Gipsy Kings have won numerous awards throughout their career. These include three Grammy nominations for their albums ‘Gipsy Kings’ (1989) and ‘Love Songs’ (1996), as well as a Billboard Latin Music Award in 1994. The band has also had the honor of being invited to perform at the White House in 1997.

Collaborations

The Gipsy Kings have collaborated with many artists over the years including Olivia Newton-John, Stevie Wonder, Norah Jones, and Will Smith. They have also performed with legendary singers such as Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin.

Legacy

The Gipsy Kings have left an indelible mark on the international music scene with their unique flamenco-infused style. Their influence can be heard in songs by artists like Santana, Ricky Martin, and Shakira. To this day they remain one of the most successful French bands of all time.