Just in: Picasso’s Flamenco friend has died, aged 93
mainThe death has been announced of Manitas de Plata, friend of Cocteau, Picasso, Dali and Brigitte Bardot, who once topped the season’s bill at Carnegie Hall and sold 93 million records.
A gypsy of Spanish origin he was born in a caravan in the south of France under the name Ricardo Baliardo.
A towering figure.
He was a great artist, musician, and entertainer.
He will be missed – and it is sad that there are no more like him.
Flamenco was much enjoyed and appreciated here in the USA in the 50s, 60s, and 70s – what happened?
On second thought, don’t answer that question…..
R.I.P., Ricardo.