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").

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