Iconic flamenco guitarist Manitas de Plata, who sold nearly 100 million records worldwide, has died in southern France. He was 93.
His great nephew, Ricao Bissiere, confirmed his death to The Associated Press Thursday, calling him a "great guitarist and a beautiful man who opened the doors for gypsy music."
Bissiere said the musician died in a retirement home early Wednesday.
Born Ricardo Baliardo in southern France in 1921, de Plata changed to his recording name — meaning "little hands of silver" in Spanish — after mastering the guitar.
He played in French Riviera cafes, where he mixed with artists Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and actress Brigitte Bardot. The guitarist also influenced the Gipsy Kings band.
He sealed his international reputation after playing New York's Carnegie Hall in the 1960s.
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