Gipsy Kings are a world-famous flamenco band

 

• The Gipsy Kings were formed in the late 1970s in the south of France.
• The band members are mostly from two Romani families: the Reyes family and the Baliardo family, who are originally of Spanish descent but grew up in southern France after their families fled Catalonia during the Spanish Civil War.

Members

• Prominent members include Nicolas Reyes (lead vocalist) and Tonino Baliardo (lead guitarist). Nicolas is the son of José Reyes, a legendary flamenco singer who performed with guitarist Manitas de Plata.

• In the 1980s, the group began gaining attention with their upbeat, danceable flamenco-inspired sound.
• Their self-titled album Gipsy Kings (1987) propelled them to international stardom. It featured hits like "Bamboléo," "Djobi Djoba," and "Volare" (a cover of the Italian classic).

Style and Influence

• The Gipsy Kings’ music combines elements of flamenco with pop, rumba, and salsa, creating a unique and accessible sound.
• They sing primarily in a dialect of Spanish called Caló, which is specific to the Romani community in Spain.
• Their style has introduced flamenco to a global audience and bridged the gap between traditional and contemporary music.
• The band has sold millions of albums worldwide and has received multiple Grammy nominations.
• Their music has been featured in films and TV shows, such as The Big Lebowski ("Hotel California") and Toy Story 3 ("You've Got a Friend in Me").