Enrique Morente

Spanish Flamenco Singer and Innovator

Spanish flamenco singer, Granada, 25/12/1942 - 13/12/2010. Enrique Morente Cotelo, known as Enrique Morente, born in Granada, 1942 is a flamenco singer and controversial figure in contemporary flamenco. After his orthodox beginnings, he plunged into experimentalism, writing new melodies for cante (flamenco singing) and jamming with musicians of all styles, without renouncing his roots in traditional flamenco singing, which he keeps on cultivating. In spite of severe criticism from the most "purist" amongst the critics and public, he is probably the most influential contemporary flamenco singer, who not only innovates, but could also be said to create tradition. Husband of Aurora Carbonell and father to Estrella Morente, Soleá Morente & José E. Morente.