Gypsy-stylized troubadour José Mercé (born José Soto Soto) began singing at the age of six, becoming a soloist in a local church chorus soon after and improving his natural skills while participating in Antonio Gades' theater company. It was in the early '70s when José Mercé moved to Madrid from his native Jerez de la Frontera to join a new generation of flamenco performers, such as Camarón (born José Monge Cruz), also known as El Camarón de la Isla; Tomatito (born Manuel Moreno Junquera); and talented guitarist Paco de Lucía.\r