José Mercé

José Mercé is a renowned flamenco singer, born in the flamenco neighborhood of Santiago, in Jerez de la Frontera. A member of a lineage of singers, he began his musical career in the choir of the Basílica de la Merced de Jerez, where he received his artistic name of Antonio Gallardo. In 1968 he moved to Madrid to record his first album, accompanied by Manolo Sanlúcar and Paco de Lucía. During the years 1970-1983 he worked with the company of Antonio Gades, participating in films such as Bodas de sangre and Flamenco, directed by Carlos Saura. Thanks to his collaboration with Manuel Sánchez Pernía, he consolidated as a prominent figure in flamenco with the album Verde Junco, which featured artists such as Tomatito, Enrique de Melchor and Rafael Riqueni. His performance at the Teatro Real, being the first gypsy to perform there, was a milestone in his career. Since then he has innovated by blending flamenco with genres such as blues, the Balkan martinete, and has collaborated with artists such as Alejandro Sanz. His latest show, “José Mercé canta a Manuel Alejandro”, pays tribute to the Jerezano composer Manuel Alejandro, revisiting his most emblematic songs and bringing them to different flamenco styles.