Performance Year: 2019
José Cortés Fernández was born in the south of France in 1974 from an important gypsy family from Almería. At the age of ten, José began his career in Jerez de la Frontera where he won the “Premio del Joven Aficionado del Cante Flamenco,” accompanied on guitar by Terremoto hijo. He was immersed in the world of flamenco with the greatest artists, such as Terremoto, Pansequito, Camarón de la Isla, Moraito Chico and Tomatito. Since then, he has shared the stage with the best artists, including Belén Lopez, Alfonso Losa, Sergio Arranda, Juan Carmona, Nino de los Reyes and Carmen Ledesma. He has sung for the workshops of Israel Galván, Angelita Gómez and Javier Latorre. In 2010, he moved to the United States and now works with many amazing artists such as Jason McGuire, Ricardo Diaz (and on his record Traversura) and Yaelisa “Camino Flamencos.” Recently José was invited to be Antonio Carmona’s (Ketama) backup singer at the Nokia Theater for the Eva Longoria Foundation. In 2014 José had the honor to sing for the San Francisco Opera in Giselle. An incredible and traditional artist, José Cortés Fernández surprises us now by taking a step forward in his conception of flamenco by making pure flamenco live alongside other genres.
José shared the stage with great artists during many live performances as well as TV specials with the Gipsy Kings and family. He had the privilege of playing for the opening act of several James Brown concerts as well as for Jennifer Lopez in the south of France and in Los Angeles. He recorded with Bruce Willis for his private album preceding his Planet Hollywood tour. Thanks to Maria Bravo and Alina Peralta, they performed for many Eva Longoria and Tony Parker charity events. Being the highlight of special events for Sylvester Stallone and other celebrities around the world, José Cortés performs to the delight of his loyal audience.
