Pepe the Miller

José Gallardo Ponce, better known as Pepe el Molinero was a flamenco flamenco singer, born in Campanario (Badajoz, Extremadura) in 1895. and died in his town in 1985. In his youth he was a miller, hence the nickname.

Style

He was not a born innovator of flamenco art, but he did create his own style of taranta (tarantas by Pepe el Molinero), as was recorded at the time, not to mention his famous colombianas and milongas.

He was a great specialist in back and forth singing, outstanding in eastern singing, with a fine, sweet and clean voice.

Artistic life

Pepe el Molinero performed at the now-defunct Circo Price in Madrid and during 1933 and 1934 he made at least five record recordings on slate discs.

After the civil war, he carried out several artistic tours throughout the Spanish geography, being highly appreciated and loved by all the fans. He withdrew from the stage very soon, taking refuge in his hometown where he spent the rest of his days, singing at some gatherings for his close friends and at Sunday masses in his town.