Feature Photo: Geoffrey Clowes / Shutterstock.com
The story of the Gipsy Kings traces back to the vibrant cultural landscape of southern France, where the sons of Spanish Romani families formed a group that would ultimately redefine the boundaries of world music. The band emerged from Arles and Montpellier, their families having fled Catalonia during the Spanish Civil War. In the late 1970s, two families—the Baliardos and the Reyes—blended their musical heritages, performing at weddings and festivals as Los Reyes. Their unique approach to rumba flamenca, with influences from traditional flamenco, salsa, pop, and Latin rhythms, captured the attention of audiences in the region before they adopted the name Gipsy Kings.
The original lineup included Nicolas, Canut, Paul, Patchai, and André Reyes, alongside Tonino, Diego, and Paco Baliardo. Early on, the group found it challenging to break into the mainstream, relying on their appearances at social gatherings and local venues. Their breakthrough arrived in the mid-1980s, after years of persistent performing. Producer Claude Martinez helped them shape their raw, energetic style into a distinctive sound that was both rooted in tradition and accessible to global listeners.
In 1987, the Gipsy Kings released their eponymous international debut album, which became an unexpected phenomenon. The album featured enduring tracks like “Bamboléo,” “Djobi Djoba,” and “Un Amor.” “Bamboléo,” in particular, would become synonymous with the Gipsy Kings, propelling them into international stardom. The record charted impressively in several countries, including a lengthy run on the US charts, and sold millions of copies worldwide. Their music videos and live performances showcased not only their technical virtuosity but the infectious passion of their performances.
Following the monumental success of their debut, the Gipsy Kings released a string of albums, including Mosaïque (1989), Este Mundo (1991), and Love & Liberté (1993), each contributing new classics to their catalog. The group maintained a relentless touring schedule, becoming one of the most in-demand world music acts of the 1990s. Their concerts, known for their exuberant energy and intricate guitar work, drew massive crowds across Europe, North America, and beyond. In the US, their albums frequently topped the Billboard World Music charts, solidifying their reputation as the premier purveyors of flamenco-inspired pop.
Over the years, the Gipsy Kings continued to evolve their sound. Albums such as Tierra Gitana (1995), Compas (1997), and Savor Flamenco (2013) showcased a group that was both respectful of its roots and eager to explore new musical horizons. Notably, Savor Flamenco won the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album in 2014, a crowning achievement that recognized their decades of innovation and influence. Their music often appeared in films and television, including a memorable cover of “Hotel California” for The Big Lebowski and the infectious “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” for Toy Story 3.
The Gipsy Kings’ lineup has shifted over the years, with various members pursuing solo projects or reconfiguring the group under different banners. Despite these changes, the core spirit of the band remains tied to the families and traditions that first brought them together. Their signature fusion of Spanish flamenco guitar, vibrant vocals, and Latin rhythms has influenced countless musicians across genres. Their approach is both communal and improvisational, emphasizing the joy and spontaneity of live performance.
Outside of their recording and touring careers, the Gipsy Kings have been recognized as cultural ambassadors for Romani and Spanish music. Their contributions have played a significant role in bringing flamenco and rumba to mainstream international audiences, breaking language barriers with their compelling musicianship. They are celebrated not only for their commercial success but for their dedication to heritage and the authentic storytelling embedded in their music.
In total, the Gipsy Kings have released more than a dozen studio albums, along with numerous compilations and live records. Their catalog includes chart-topping singles such as “Volare,” “Baila Me,” “Moorea,” and “A Mi Manera” (a Spanish adaptation of “My Way”), all of which highlight their ability to reinterpret classic songs through their own stylistic lens. Their albums have collectively sold over twenty million copies worldwide, making them one of the most successful French musical exports in history.
The band’s influence extends well beyond the world music circuit. They have collaborated with artists from a variety of genres and have been credited with inspiring a renewed interest in flamenco and Latin pop among younger generations. Despite changes in the music industry and shifting lineups, the Gipsy Kings’ appeal has endured, a testament to the universality and vitality of their sound.
Their enduring popularity is reflected in their continued touring, frequent television appearances, and festival headlining slots around the globe. Audiences are drawn to the authenticity and exuberance of their performances, which remain anchored by the group’s familial chemistry and the power of their acoustic arrangements.
Beyond their musical achievements, the Gipsy Kings are notable for their philanthropic activities and commitment to their cultural roots. They have participated in charity events and lent their talents to causes benefiting children and marginalized communities. This engagement with social issues has only added to the respect they command within and outside of the music world.
As the Gipsy Kings enter their fifth decade as a performing unit, their legacy stands as one of the most inspiring in world music. They have taken the sounds of their heritage, infused them with universal appeal, and brought the vibrant spirit of flamenco to the far corners of the globe. Their music continues to bridge cultures and generations, ensuring that their unique voice will remain vital for years to come.
Complete List Of Gipsy Kings Songs
- A Mi Manera (Comme D’Habitude) – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- A Ti a Ti – Estrellas – 1995
- A Tu Vera – Estrellas – 1995
- Allegria – Allegria – 1982
- Amigo – Roots – 2004
- Ami Wa Wa (Solo Por Ti) – Compas – 1997
- Ami Wa Wa (Solo Por Ti) [Remix] – Compas – 1997
- Amor – Pasajero – 2006
- Amor d’un Dia – Luna de Fuego – 1983
- Amor Gitano – Compas – 1997
- Amor, Amor – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- Aven, Aven – Roots – 2004
- Baila Me – Este Mundo – 1991
- Bamboléo – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- Bem, Bem, MarÃa – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- Bolerias – Roots – 2004
- Boogie – Roots – 2004
- Bossamba – Mosaïque – 1989
- Bye Bye (Ella Me Dice Vay) – Savor Flamenco – 2013
- Café – Pasajero – 2006
- Calaverada – Luna de Fuego – 1983
- Caminando por la calle – Mosaïque – 1989
- Camino – Mosaïque – 1989
- Campaña – Love and Liberté – 1993
- Campesino – Estrellas – 1995
- Canastero – Pasajero – 2006
- Canut Fandango – Roots – 2004
- Canto a Brazil – Compas – 1997
- Caramelo – Savor Flamenco – 2013
- Cataluña – Estrellas – 1995
- Chan Chan – Pasajero – 2006
- Ciento – Luna de Fuego – 1983
- Como Ayer – Roots – 2004
- Como L’agua – Savor Flamenco – 2013
- Como Siento Yo – Roots – 2004
- Como Un Silencio – Somos Gitanos – 2001
- Corazón – Savor Flamenco – 2013
- Di Me – Compas – 1997
- Djobi Djoba – Allegria – 1982
- Djobi Djoba – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- ¿Dónde Estás, Mi Amor? – Pasajero – 2006
- Duende – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- El Mauro – Este Mundo – 1991
- Escucha Me – Love and Liberté – 1993
- Este Mundo – Este Mundo – 1991
- Estrellas – Estrellas – 1995
- Faena – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- Fairies Melody – Savor Flamenco – 2013
- Fandango [Nicolas] – Roots – 2004
- Fandango [Patchai] – Roots – 2004
- Felices Dias – Somos Gitanos – 2001
- Flamencos en El Aire – Somos Gitanos – 2001
- Forever – Estrellas – 1995
- Furia – Este Mundo – 1991
- Galaxia – Luna de Fuego – 1983
- Gipsyrock – Luna de Fuego – 1983
- Guaranga – Pasajero – 2006
- Guitarra Negra – Love and Liberté – 1993
- Habla Contingo – Savor Flamenco – 2013
- Habla Me – Este Mundo – 1991
- Hermanos – Roots – 2004
- Igual Se Entonces – Estrellas – 1995
- Inspiration – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- Jo Busco un Camino – Somos Gitanos – 2001
- La Dona – Allegria – 1982
- La Fiesta Comenza – Compas – 1997
- La Guerra – Evidence – 2018
- La Quiero – Love and Liberté – 1993
- La Rumba de Nicolas – Estrellas – 1995
- La Tounga – Pasajero – 2006
- La Vida de Gipsy – Pasajero – 2006
- Lagrimas – Este Mundo – 1991
- Legende – Roots – 2004
- Liberté – Mosaïque – 1989
- Lleva Me El Compás – Somos Gitanos – 2001
- Lo Mal y Lo Bien – Compas – 1997
- Love and Liberté – Love and Liberté – 1993
- Luna De Fuego – Luna de Fuego – 1983
- Madre Mia – Love and Liberté – 1993
- Magia Del Ritmo – Somos Gitanos – 2001
- Majiwi – Somos Gitanos – 2001
- Me Voy – Savor Flamenco – 2013
- Mi Corazon – Estrellas – 1995
- Mi Fandango – Somos Gitanos – 2001
- Mi Niño – Compas – 1997
- Mi Novia – Roots – 2004
- Mi Vida – Este Mundo – 1991
- Michaël – Love and Liberté – 1993
- Mil Anos – Evidence – 2018
- Mira la Chica – Pasajero – 2006
- Mira la Gitana Mora – Compas – 1997
- Montaña – Love and Liberté – 1993
- Moorea – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- Mosaïque – Mosaïque – 1989
- Mujer – Estrellas – 1995
- Navidad – Love and Liberté – 1993
- No Viviré – Love and Liberté – 1993
- No Volveré – Este Mundo – 1991
- Nuages – Roots – 2004
- Obsesion de Amor – Compas – 1997
- Oh Mai – Este Mundo – 1991
- Olvidado – Luna de Fuego – 1983
- Otra DÃa – Evidence – 2018
- Oy – Este Mundo – 1991
- Pajarito – Estrellas – 1995
- Palmero – Evidence – 2018
- Papa, No Pega La Mama – Allegria – 1982
- Pasajero – Pasajero – 2006
- Passion – Mosaïque – 1989
- Pedir a Tu Corazon – Love and Liberté – 1993
- Pena Penita – Allegria – 1982
- Petite Noya – Roots – 2004
- Pharaon – Allegria – 1982
- Poquito A Poco – Somos Gitanos – 2001
- Princessa – Luna de Fuego – 1983
- Pueblos – Pasajero – 2006
- Que Si, Que No (Funiculi Funiculi) – Compas – 1997
- Queda Te Aqui – Love and Liberté – 1993
- Quiero Libertad – Somos Gitanos – 2001
- Quiero Saber – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- Recuerda – Allegria – 1982
- Recuerdo Apasionado – Compas – 1997
- Recuerdos A Zucarados – Pasajero – 2006
- Rhythmic – Roots – 2004
- Ritmo de la Noche – Love and Liberté – 1993
- Ruptura – Luna de Fuego – 1983
- Salsa de Noche – Compas – 1997
- Samba Samba – Savor Flamenco – 2013
- Savor Flamenco (Tango Flamenco) – Savor Flamenco – 2013
- Senorita – Evidence – 2018
- Serana – Mosaïque – 1989
- Si Tú me Quieres – Pasajero – 2006
- Siempre Acaba Tu Vida – Estrellas – 1995
- Simplimente – Evidence – 2018
- Sin Ella – Este Mundo – 1991
- Sol y Luna – Pasajero – 2006
- Soledad – Roots – 2004
- Solo, Solo Diré – Somos Gitanos – 2001
- Solituda – Allegria – 1982
- Somos Gitanos – Somos Gitanos – 2001
- Sonador – Evidence – 2018
- Soy – Mosaïque – 1989
- Sueño – Allegria – 1982
- Sueño – Savor Flamenco – 2013
- Sueño de Noche – Compas – 1997
- Tampa – Roots – 2004
- Tarantas – Roots – 2004
- Ternuras – Este Mundo – 1991
- Tiempo Del Sol – Savor Flamenco – 2013
- Tierra Gitana – Estrellas – 1995
- Trista pena – Mosaïque – 1989
- Tristessa – Allegria – 1982
- Tú Quieres Volver – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- Un Amor – Allegria – 1982
- Un Amor – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- Una Rumba Por Aqui – Compas – 1997
- Vamos A Bailar – Gipsy Kings – 1987
- Vamos a bailar – Mosaïque – 1989
- Viejo Hombre – Evidence – 2018
- Viento Del Arena – Luna de Fuego – 1983
- Viento del arena – Mosaïque – 1989
- Vol Au Vent – Evidence – 2018
- Volare – Mosaïque – 1989
Gipsy Kings Albums
Allegria (1982): 11 songs
Luna de Fuego (1983): 10 songs
Gipsy Kings (1987): 13 songs
Mosaïque (1989): 12 songs
Este Mundo (1991): 12 songs
Love and Liberté (1993): 13 songs
Estrellas (1995): 13 songs
Compas (1997): 15 songs
Somos Gitanos (2001): 12 songs
Roots (2004): 18 songs
Pasajero (2006): 14 songs
Savor Flamenco (2013): 11 songs
Evidence (2018): 9 songs
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