José Padilla, a pioneering figure in the Balearic sound, gained fame as the resident DJ at Café del Mar in Ibiza, where he crafted a signature chillout vibe with his eclectic mix of ambient and downtempo music. He curated the renowned Café del Mar series starting in 1994, which became a ubiquitous presence in record stores and trendy establishments worldwide. Padilla's influence extended beyond the Balearic scene, with his own productions featured on the compilations, and he continued to DJ internationally while releasing albums like "Souvenir" in 1998 and collaborating on projects such as "So Many Colours" in 2015. His legacy in the music world endures following his passing in 2020 at the age of 64.

Born in Barcelona in 1955, José Padilla relocated to Ibiza in the late 1970s and quickly established himself as a key figure in the island's emerging club scene. His residency at Café del Mar, which began in 1991, solidified his reputation as a leading chillout DJ, paving the way for his successful career in music curation and production. Padilla's diverse musical contributions, from his early mixtapes to his later albums and collaborations, showcase his enduring impact on the chillout and ambient music genres. His work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a true pioneer of the Balearic sound.