Podcast Summary: "Nuestro flamenco - Fosforito: el adiós a un maestro"

Date: November 26, 2025
Host: José María Velázquez-Gaztelu
Podcast: Radio Clásica – RNE

Overview

This heartfelt episode of "Nuestro flamenco" pays tribute to Antonio Fernández Díaz, "Fosforito"—renowned flamenco singer and maestro—following his death on November 13, 2025 at age 93. The program, hosted by José María Velázquez-Gaztelu, commemorates Fosforito’s musical legacy with special emphasis on his collaborations with legendary guitarists, early recordings, and personal anecdotes, celebrating not only the artist, but also the man and his decisive imprint on flamenco.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Remembering Fosforito’s Legacy

[00:57 – 01:54]

• The episode opens with condolences to Fosforito’s widow Maribel Barrientos and his children.
• Velázquez-Gaztelu notes the intent: “Queremos recordar al maestro, al artista y al amigo. Y lo hacemos con su cante.”
• A career overview: a master with a vast discography and key figure in the flamenco world during the latter half of the 20th century.

2. The Guitarists Close to Fosforito

[01:54 – 22:33]

• Tribute to the guitarists who often accompanied Fosforito, highlighting Juan Carmona “Habichuela”, Paco de Lucía, and Enrique de Melchor.
• Notable anecdotes about each guitarist’s connection to Fosforito.
• Musical selections showcase these guitarists' artistry, intertwined with Fosforito’s story:
  • Juan Carmona “Habichuela”: Soleá dedicated to his brother Luis (06:59).
  • Enrique de Melchor: Taranta “Vivencias”, dedicated to his father and brother (13:17).
  • Paco de Lucía: “Gloria al Niño Ricardo”, soleá played as a solist (22:33).

3. Fosforito’s Profound Knowledge of the Guitar

[13:17 – 22:33]

• Fosforito, while mainly a singer, was also adept at the guitar, often composing with it.
• Quoted recollection: “para componer sus letras… se encerraba con la guitarra, se iba acompañando él mismo.” (13:17)

4. Meeting and Working with Paco de Lucía

[13:17 – 22:33, 42:02 – 45:43]

• Details of Fosforito’s initial meeting with Paco de Lucía, as told by Fosforito in a 2008 interview:
  • Paco was introduced by his brother Ramón, who was already collaborating with Fosforito.
  • Fosforito: “Me dio miedo porque era otra cosa... Paco era una maravilla,... lo que más le gusta del mundo... es acompañar para cantar. A él le gusta cantar, es un cantaor.” (15:52)
  • Their collaboration produced a landmark anthology: 48 cantes recorded in five days.
• On Paco’s genius:
  • “Un genio es ese tío que es capaz de hacer cosas geniales que normalmente no están al alcance de los demás. Ese era Paco de Lucía...” (45:15)

5. Fosforito’s Career Milestones and Awards

[23:05 – 26:16]

• Born 1932 in Puente Genil, Córdoba.
• Breakthrough: 1956 Concurso Nacional de Arte Flamenco de Córdoba, winning the top honors in all styles.
• Celebrated internationally; led major Spanish and global flamenco stages for decades.
• Immense collection of awards, including Premio Ondas, Llave de Oro del Cante, Medalla de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes, among many others.
• Noted joke: “Necesitaría tener 5 casas para darle sitio a tantos trofeos, placas y consideraciones.” (25:36)

6. Early Recordings and Pioneering Repertoire

[26:16 – 42:02]

• First recordings in 1958 with guitarists Vargas Araceli and Juan Serrano.
  • Selections: “La caña,” “Alegrías cordobesas”(27:32–33:02)
• Fosforito was among the first to record styles like the Taranto as a song (Taranto de Almería, 36:10).
• Also recorded “Fandangos de Lucena,” “Zángano de Puente Genil,” and “Remate de Verdial,” the last two being firsts in recorded history.
• His discography set new standards and expanded recorded flamenco repertoire.

7. The Artistic Process and Friendship with Paco de Lucía

[42:02 – 45:43]

• Their collaboration involved intense, almost continuous work.
  • “Vivíamos las 24 horas juntos en una habitación de dos camas, donde soñábamos con la grabación.”
• Paco’s inventiveness in the studio and friendship outside it are fondly recalled.

8. The “Selección antológica del cante”

[45:43 – 50:43]

• Two examples presented: “Soleá, Apolá” and “Mirabrás,” with Fosforito singing and Paco de Lucía accompanying.
  • Demonstrates the chemistry and innovation of their partnership.

9. Live Performance Highlights

[50:43 – 56:59]

• Excerpt from a 1970s live performance in Benalmádena, offering listeners the flavor of Fosforito’s stage charisma:
  • “Granaína con Malagueña de la Trini” and “Final de cantes abandonados de Juan Breva,” with Manuel Cano on guitar.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Paco de Lucía’s accompaniment:
  “Donde había una nota pelá en otros guitarristas, en él surgía un aluvión, un torrente de música en el mismo tiempo, pero no molestaba nunca, era comodísimo.” — Fosforito [18:56]

• On genius:
  “Un genio es ese tío que es capaz de hacer cosas geniales que normalmente no están al alcance de los demás. Ese era Paco de Lucía, un músico extraordinario con el que tenía una afinidad increíble.” — Fosforito [45:15]

• On artistic friendship:
  “Paco era como de la familia, me consideraba como un hermano mayor, como un padre.” — Fosforito [44:50]

• On recognition:
  “Necesitaría tener cinco casas para darle sitio a tantos trofeos, placas y consideraciones…” — Velázquez-Gaztelu quoting Fosforito [25:36]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Tribute to Fosforito’s life and legacy: [00:57–01:54], [23:05–26:16]
• Profiles of main accompanying guitarists: [01:54–22:33]
• Fosforito on his creative process and Paco de Lucía: [13:17–22:33], [42:02–45:43]
• First historic recordings (1958): [26:16–33:31], [36:10–42:02]
• Stories from the selection antológica sessions: [42:02–45:43]
• Musical selections with Paco de Lucía: [45:43–50:43]
• Live performance, Benalmádena (1970s): [50:43–56:59]

Tone and Narration Style

The tone is both intimate and scholarly, marked by deep respect and admiration. Velázquez-Gaztelu weaves historical context, warm recollections, and fascinating artistic details, maintaining a conversational yet authoritative voice throughout.

Conclusion

“Nuestro flamenco” succeeds in honoring Fosforito with a moving, musically rich homage. Through rare recordings, vibrant anecdotes, and reflections on collaboration, the episode preserves and shares the indelible mark Fosforito left on flamenco, offering listeners both emotional resonance and historical insight.