Tomatito
Almeria, Spain
7 GRAMMY AWARS
Tomatito is the LIVING LEGEND of Flamenco
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José Fernández Torres, known artistically as Tomatito, was born on August 20, 1958,in Almería, into a family steeped in the essence of flamenco. From an early age, he was immersed in the sounds of the guitar, learning from his father, also known as Tomate, and his grandfather, Miguel Tomate. As if destiny had already written his path, he is also the nephew of the legendary Niño Miguel, one of flamenco’s most revered guitarists.
At just twelve years old, Tomatito moved from Almería to Málaga, where he embarked on his musical journey, performing in renowned tablaos such as Taberna Gitana. It was there that he not only caught the attention of Paco de Lucía but also forged a lifelong artistic bond with Camarón de la Isla. His extraordinary talent quickly propelled him onto the stages of Andalusia’s most prestigious flamenco festivals, captivating both critics and audiences alike.
As his reputation grew, Tomatito became the preferred accompanist for some of the greatest flamenco voices, including Enrique Morente, La Susi, José Menese, and Pansequito, among others. However, the most defining chapter of his career was his 18-year collaboration with the legendary Camarón de la Isla. Together, they recorded an extensive and iconic discography, bringing flamenco to some of the world’s most prestigious venues, from Montreux to New York.
Their first collaboration, La Leyenda del Tiempo (The Legend of Time), marked a turning point in the history of flamenco, with Tomatito’s guitar providing the perfect foundation for Camarón’s groundbreaking vocals. Later, in Como el Agua, he shared the stage with Paco de Lucía, cementing his place among the flamenco greats.
Following Camarón’s passing, Tomatito emerged as one of the most significant soloists in flamenco guitar. His ability to navigate both the solemn depth and festive exuberance of the genre reveals an unparalleled sensitivity and a rare interpretative gift. His charismatic presence, combined with a relentless dedication to the evolution and global promotion of flamenco, has earned him widespread acclaim—not only in the world of music but also in cinema, theater, and the arts.
With seven Grammy Awards to his name, Tomatito has collaborated with an array of world-renowned artists and inspired an entire generation of young guitarists.
Remaining true to his flamenco roots while embracing diverse musical influences, he has transcended borders, becoming a revered figure in the universal language of music.