One of the leading flamenco guitarists of the late 20th century, Paco de Lucia was born in Algeciras, began to study guitar at the age of 12, and at 14 won first prize in a major flamenco competition. He achieved national status with the release of his Entre Dos Aguas in 1974. De Lucia was greatly inspired by a trip to Brazil and upon his return began a series of innovative developments in flamenco guitar style, based on new rhythms derived from the bossa nova. In addition to leading his own sextet, de Lucia enjoyed a long and creative partnership with leading flamenco singer, El Camaron de la Isla. Other musicians with whom he has worked include Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, and, in 1989, tenor Placido Domingo.