Alhaurín De La Torre, Málaga, Spain - City officials announced that Flamenco singer and guitarist, José Ortega Heredia, also known as 'Manzanita,' died last night of a heart attack at his home, in Alhaurín de la Torre, Málaga (Spain). He was 48.

A police spokesman informed that Manzanita will be buried Tuesday, December 7, at 10 a.m. in the Alhaurín de la Torre cemetery.

Manzanita was born in Madrid on February 7, 1956. He was the son of Andalusian Gypsy performers and was the nephew of Manolo Caracol. At the age of 9, he played at Flamenco nightclubs, where his father performed as a singer (cantaor). At 11, he accompanied renowned Flamenco singer Enrique Morente. In 1974 he formed Los Chorbos, part of the Cañorroto Gypsy sound. In 1977, Manzanita started a solo career. His first solo album, Poco ruido y mucho duende, came out in 1978.

He was one of the pioneers of Nuevo Flamenco, combining rumba, salsa and other elements.

[Buy his CDs, Gitano Cubano, Por tu ausencia, Dimelo, and his greatest hits albums, Grandes Exitos and Discografía Básica].