Montoya, Carlos Garcia

▪ 1994

      Spanish-born guitarist and composer (b. Dec. 13, 1903, Madrid, Spain—d. March 3, 1993, Wainscott, N.Y.), transformed flamenco guitar music from its traditional use as an accompaniment to Andalusian gypsy folk dancers and singers to an internationally recognized musical art form. Montoya was born into a gypsy family and studied guitar with his mother and a neighbouring barber and music teacher, Pepe el Barbero. His uncle, Ramón Montoya, was already an influential solo guitarist, and the young Carlos began accompanying flamenco singers and dancers in cafés at age 14. In the 1920s and '30s, Montoya toured Europe, Asia, and North America with various performers, including the great dancer La Argentina. When World War II broke out, he was on a U.S. tour with another dancer, La Argentinita. He settled in New York City and later became a U.S. citizen. After La Argentinita died (1945), Montoya toured on his own, playing fiery improvisational flamenco, as well as inspired adaptations of blues, jazz, and popular music, with symphony orchestras and in solo recitals. He also appeared on television and recorded some 40 albums, notably Suite Flamenca, a concerto he wrote and recorded with the St. Louis (Mo.) Symphony Orchestra in 1966.

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