Manzanita

Spanish rumba/flamenco singer, composer and guitarist (Madrid, 1956 - Málaga, 2004).

Manzanita was an artist with lineage: the son of cantaor and bailaor Rafael Ortega García and bailaora Trinidad Heredia Jiménez; and the nephew of Manolo Caracol. At the age of nine, he began playing the guitar at some tablaos in Madrid where his father used to sing - Café de Chinitas and Los Canasteros -, becoming one of the most sought-after guitar players. When he was just 11, he joined cantaor Enrique Morente on his world tour.

In 1974, he formed the group 'Los Chorbos' together with Alfonso Veneno, Miguel and Amador Losada, contributing to the so-called ‘Caño Roto sound’ which gave a “flamenco quality” to the rumba. Three years later he began his solo career, and releasing his first album in 1978, ‘Poco Ruido Y Mucho Duende’, which was a big hit. More albums came afterwards such as ‘Caja De Música’, ‘Sueño De Amor’, ‘Espíritu Sin Nombre’, among other titles. Upon setting up residence in Catalonia, his career slowed down, although he was recognized by rumberos like Gato Pérez and cantaor Duquende.

In 1995, he returned to the stage to play along with Ketama for the closing party for the film ‘Flamenco’ by Carlos Saura, performing the song ‘Verde’ with lyrics by Lorca. By the hand of producer Paco Ortega, around 1998 he released his greatest hits and his extensive discography was reissued.
Manzanita died at the age of 48 in Alhaurín de la Torre (Málaga) on December 6th, 2004.