Pepe Habichuela, one of the most influential guitarists in the history of flamenco, passed away this Tuesday at the age of 82 in Madrid, where he had been living. The musician had withdrawn from the stage since the summer of 2024 due to illness.
Born in the Sacromonte neighborhood of Granada and a member of one of flamenco’s great lineages, Habichuela stood out for a distinctive playing style and a powerful rasgueado that left a deep imprint on the flamenco guitar.
Throughout his career he accompanied figures such as Camarón de la Isla, Enrique Morente, Pepe Marchena, Juanito Valderrama, La Paquera de Jerez, and Fosforito. He also collaborated with musicians from other genres, including Dave Holland, Don Cherry, Jaco Pastorius, Anoushka Shankar, and Nitin Sawhney, taking flamenco beyond its borders.
Following the news, both the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and Madrid’s Culture Delegate, Marta Rivera de la Cruz, highlighted the legacy of an artist who was fundamental to the history of flamenco.
