Carlos Montoya

Carlos Montoya is the father of modern Flamenco. Not that he invented it: Flamenco's been around as long as gypsies have danced in Spain. But Montoya wrested the form from its traditional status as dance accompaniment and brought it to stages around the world during the first half of the twentieth century. With his strident, accomplished voice and incomparable guitar playing, Montoya's work fascinated and even entranced audiences. It's not hard to understand why -- just a taste of the rousing, distinct rhythms and melancholy melodies will whet appetites for more.