The Gipsy Kings, formed in the '70s in Arles, France, by brothers Nicolas and Andre Reyes and their cousins Jacques, Maurice, and Tonino Baliardo, gained recognition for their progressive pop-oriented flamenco music. Initially known as Los Reyes, the band later adopted the name the Gipsy Kings due to their nomadic lifestyle. With the guidance of producer Claude Martinez, the band incorporated diverse musical influences and achieved commercial success, notably with hits like "Djobi Djoba" and "Bamboleo."
The Gipsy Kings' self-titled debut album in 1987 propelled them to international fame, with chart-topping success in Europe and the U.S. Over the years, the band released several albums and embarked on extensive global tours, culminating in the celebration of their 25th anniversary with the release of "Savor Flamenco" in 2013. Despite facing initial skepticism from traditional flamenco purists, the Gipsy Kings' innovative approach to the genre and their unique blend of musical styles have solidified their status as a prominent world-class band in the music industry.