https://www.discogs.com/Manitas-De-Plata-Manitas-De-Plata/master/344997
Ricardo Baliardo known as Manitas de Plata (approximately “fairy fingers”) was born in a caravan on August 7, 1921 in Sète (Hérault). From an early age, the boy was introduced to the secrets of the gypsy guitar and flamenco, and learned to listen to Django Reinhardt.
Long after the death of the master of the swing guitar, Manitas de Plata ventured onto the stages. His talent was finally discovered in broad daylight in the mid-1960s, when he became an instrument phenomenon. He then recorded a first album in a church in Arles in 1963, Viva Manitas de Plata, which did not come out until 1969. Then he was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York in December 1965.
The name Manitas de Plata is then inseparable from flamenco which he popularized throughout the world, accompanied by his family, in particular his son Manéro Baliardo who sings on his recordings (such as Manitas and Manéro). The guitarist crosses the continents and multiplies the releases of discs. Thus appear Manitas' Spain (1968), adorned with Andalusian influences; In Concert with all his friends and his son; the astonishing Picasso, Guerre, Amour et Paix seized in front of the artist and friend, and of course the classic Manitas at Carnegie Hall (reissued in 1995).
Since its inception, Manitas de Plata has been present every year at the gypsy meetings of Saintes-Maries de la Mer (Bouches-du-Rhône). His extended family includes the group Gipsy Kings and notably the flagship guitarist José Reyes.
In 1976, the album Musique aux Doigts was published, concordant with a homonymous biography of Jean Boissieu (Robert Laffont). Manitas de Plata's discography continues to grow over the years. Always green, the Gypsy published Flores de Mi Corazon in 1999. The period of the 2000s was less rosy and saw the decline of the musician, who lost his son Manéro Baliardo on July 5, 2012. On October 31, he performed in one of his last major concerts, at the Olympia in Paris.
On April 19, 2013, Manitas de Plata suffered a heart attack. Ruined, he appealed for help to receive hospitalization at home. After a new heart attack and a stay in a retirement home, the guitarist died on the night of November 5 to 6, 2014 at the Montpellier hospital. He was 93 years old.
