Did you know María Jiménez, a flamenco great?
A whole life devoted to music that began in the tablaos of Seville.
María Jiménez, revolutionary in a performance in 1980
Photo: Pablo Juliá
At this article we talked about Carmen Sevilla, one of the most beloved Spanish artists and recognized for her career in film and television. And today we come to tell you about another of the most outstanding female figures in the world of flamenco art in Spain, a very popular Spanish singer, bailaora and actress: María Jiménez.
His recent departure inspires us to recognize his complete and remarkable artistic career of nearly 50 years and the legacy he has left in the world of flamenco, Intangible Heritage of Humanity musical genre in which he demonstrated great talent and passion.
María Jiménez, revolutionary in a performance in 1980
Photo: Pablo Juliá
To introduce her, we can think of nothing better than to transcribe the words of her son Alejandro Jimenez after her passing: "With deep sadness and pain in our hearts, we bid farewell today to Maria Jimenez, a woman loved and respected for her unwavering commitment to her family, friends and admirers. An indomitable spirit, an overwhelming personality, a strong and courageous woman who fought against all odds beyond imagination."
Born in Seville on February 3, 1950, to a father of gypsy origin and a humble family, María Jiménez began her artistic career at the age of 15 in the tablaos flamencos of her hometown. At 26 she released her first album and since then the pace of album releases was frenetic until 2020, with her album La vida a mi manera with collaborations of the likes of Pitingo, Raimundo Amador and Miguel Poveda. In parallel, his career in film and television was on a par with his musical career. In his professional career he released 19 albums and acted in more than ten films and television series.
María Jiménez and Miguel Poveda performing ¡Qué felicidad la mía! in 2020
In her music María Jiménez explored diverse musical styles, rumbas, tangos, bulerías, boleros, rancheras and ballads, always maintaining a strong flamenco influence. Like many flamenco artists, the Sevillian artist brought her own interpretation and personal style to the genre. Some of her most notable albums include "María Jiménez" (1980), "Un Corazón Gitano" (1990), "Donde más Duele" (1998), among others.
Undoubtedly we can affirm that María Jiménez contributed to the diffusion and popularization of flamenco with her extraordinary voice and her passionate interpretation. Her great ability to transmit emotions through her cante and baile (visit our flamencopedia to learn more about flamenco terminology), left no one indifferent, which earned her the respect and admiration of flamenco fans.
Farewell, Maria!
María Jiménez performing the single Se acabó with which she achieved success and popularity in 1978.