CARLOS MONTOYA (1903-1993)

Carlos Montoya was a gypsy born in Madrid. Around 1940 he became an American citizen and went on to record a multitude of records, gaining himself a huge following the world over. He began playing when he was 8 years old. His famous uncle Ramon refused to teach him so he took lessons from the local barber for 3 years. At the age of 14 he started playing in the local Café Cantantes.

Throughout his career he was highly criticized for the roughness of his playing and the apparent liberty he took with compas and speed variations . He was well aware that aficionados rarely appreciated his music. The usual complaints were that he used excessive left hand legato, his playing was choppy and he used too much tremolo. But as he quite rightly pointed out in his own defense, (in conversation with Brook Zern after a concert) I have filled the Houston Astrodome. No other flamenco artist will ever do that. He said proudly that he owed absolutely nothing to his uncle and simply refused to assimilate any of Ramon's immeasurable contributions to flamenco.
It is easy to criticize the man, but the fact remains that Carlos Montoya played a significant role in raising international awareness of flamenco.