Great Masters of Flamenco Vol.7;

Manolo ''Caracol,'' born Manuel Ortega Juarez, was a Gipsy from Seville's Alameda de Hercules quarter (where so many Flamenco artists lived, from Nina de los Peines to Juan Belmonte). The family consisted only of ''Flamencos''; some of them were bullfighters, others bailaores or cantaores. Manolo's father, who shared the nickname ''Caracol'', or snail, was the capeman who carried the sword of the legendary Matador Joselito, but left the bullring after the matador's death to devote himself to the Cante. His son became extremely famous, perhaps too much so, and too soon. In 1943 he met the Gipsy dancer Lola Flores, and for many years, they were united in their profession and private life. Manolo accompanied Lola's dance performances, and they were the most acclaimed and highly paid couple in Spain. Galas, tours, films, revues, and many records! After their tumultuous separation, Manolo continued to record, both the best and the worst: light trivial little songs with piano, girls' choir and dance orchestra accompaniment but also great singing. Caracol's nights of great cante have remained legendary.