Book The Gipsy Kings

The band started out in Arles, a village in southern France, during the ’70s when brothers Nicolas and Andre Reyes, the sons of renowned flamenco artist Jose Reyes, teamed up with their cousins. They originally called themselves Los Reyes and started out as a Gypsy band travelling about playing weddings, festivals, and in the streets. Because they lived so much like Gypsies, the band adopted the name the Gipsy Kings.

Later, they were hired to add colour to posh parties in St. Tropez. In 1986 they hooked up with visionary producer Claude Martinez, who could see that the Kings had the makings of a world-class band. Thanks to Martinez, the Kings began to take on a more contemporary edge, combining their traditional songs with sounds from the Middle East, Latin America, North Africa and a hint of rock.

In 1987 they released ‘Djobi Djoba’ and ‘Bamboleo’ and scored two smash hits in France. Their success led them to sign with Sony Music and release their eponymous debut album later that year. Again, they had tremendous sales in France, and then found their album was appearing on the Top Ten album charts in 12 European countries, including England, which is traditionally unreceptive to international music.

Later that year, they held a concert at the Royal Albert Hall, where they hobnobbed with some of the world’s biggest pop stars, including Elton John. To top off their great year, the Kings’ debut album spent 40 weeks on the U.S. charts. After extended touring, a new album Pasajero appeared in 2007. They continued touring the globe almost incessantly. In 2013, the band celebrated its 25th anniversary with the release of Savor Flamenco.

Contact us to book The Gipsy Kings for your Private Party or Wedding!