They took traditional flamenco styles, mixed them with Western pop and Latin rhythms, and the result was a huge success the world over. Gypsy Kings are a family band from France, but with Catalan roots. Their ancestors were gitanos (Spanish Romani) who fled Spain during the Civil War. The foundation of the group was laid when José Reyes formed a band, Los Reyes, with his sons. When he died, his boys teamed up with their cousins, the Baliardo brothers, and took on the name
Gypsy Kings. After traveling around France and playing at weddings, festivals, and in the streets, the 1980s brought them fame with their self-titled third album, which included the hit songs
Djobi Djoba and
Bamboléo. In addition to original songs, they also covered others and made them their own, performing them in their recognizable flamenco style.
Diego Bailardo was a founding member and now fronts this band, with original Gypsy Kings members as well as a new generation.
