2002. The brilliant Beni de Cádiz playfully imitates the playing style of guitarist Tomatito while recalling an anecdote involving Camarón de la Isla and his regular guitarist. Camarón had warned Beni about Tomatito's supposed inexperience with certain flamenco styles. The guitarist, with a self-absorbed playing style, prevented Beni de Cádiz from performing, who took it all in good humor.

Presented by Jesús Quintero [Special program commemorating the 10th anniversary of Camarón's death, “Camarón sings better every day,” July 1, 2002, Canal 2 Andalucía]

Benito Rodríguez Rey, known as Beni de Cádiz (Cádiz, January 26, 1929 – Seville, December 22, 1992), was a flamenco singer and dancer. From childhood he sang and began his professional career as a flamenco dancer with Manolo Caracol and Lola Flores, later performing with ballet figures such as Pilar López. In 1959, he suffered a serious illness and received a grand tribute in which the leading figures of the time participated; he recovered and reappeared in 1961, returning to perform in the most renowned flamenco venues.
Beni de Cádiz is recognized with awards such as the one from the National Flamenco Art Competition of Córdoba. In 1976, the Chair of Flamencology and Andalusian Folkloric Studies of Jerez awarded Beni the highest honor in his genre, the National Flamenco Singing Prize.

In 1984, he performed at the III Biennial of Flamenco Art in Seville.
Beni de Cádiz achieved great popularity not only for his singing and dancing but also for his unique way of telling stories and anecdotes.

@ArchivoCanalSur

July 1, 2002
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