Spain mourns a flamenco legend: Pepe Habichuela has died
The great guitarist from Granada combined flamenco’s deep roots with an extraordinary openness to new musical paths.
Pepe Habichuela died in Madrid on 4 August 2026 at the age of 82. Flamenco has lost a guitarist whose career spanned more than six decades and who played a decisive role in shaping the music’s development.
He was born José Antonio Carmona Carmona in Granada in 1944. A member of the celebrated Habichuela flamenco family, he began his career in the Cuevas del Sacromonte. In 1964 he moved to Madrid, played in tablaos and accompanied leading singers of his time. His collaboration with Enrique Morente became especially important. Together they helped renew flamenco without giving up its roots.
Habichuela remained deeply connected to tradition while seeking dialogue with other musical worlds. He worked with jazz musicians and artists from India, among others. This openness made him a bridge between generations, countries and musical styles.
In Spain, Pepe Habichuela was regarded as one of the defining figures of contemporary flamenco guitar. In 2018 he received the Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts; in 2026 he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise.
The linked video shows Pepe Habichuela with the guitar that bears his name. It is a quiet and very personal starting point for discovering his playing.
Descansa en paz, maestro.