Manzanita

Growing up in a household deeply attached to its gypsy roots, José Ortega Heredia acquired the nickname Manzanita. His parents, troubadour Rafael Ortega García and dancer Trinidad Heredia Jiménez, steered him toward the rumba and flamenco circles.

During the early 1970s Amador Losada, Miguel Losada, and Alfonso Gabarre came together with him to create the traditional flamenco ensemble Los Chorbos, which issued its first recording, Sonido Cañorroto, in 1974. By 1978 Manzanita had begun mixing in local rhythms, taking the initial step of his solo career that year through the release of Poco Ruido y Mucho Duende.