Paco de Lucía, who died on February 26th, 2014, aged 66, was one of the most influential Spanish guitarists of his generation, a pioneer of modern flamenco whose innovative stylizations have been a major influence on contemporary world music. Born into a musical family in Algeciras, Andalusia, he started playing guitar at the age of five, and soon became a renowned performer of flamenco, later experimenting with non-traditional musical genres and adapting, both in technique and form, the traditional Spanish flamenco to different styles. His virtuosity enabled him to move effortlessly from classically-influenced acoustic pieces to modern jazz works. Paco de Lucía continued to give concerts and to make commercial recordings into his later years. He was awarded a number of honorary doctorates, as well as many other honors for his contribution to Spanish music. His influence on the Spanish guitar repertoire and on flamenco will likely be remembered for many years to come.