Ricardo Ballardo was born in a caravan in the south of France 93 years ago. But as Manitas de Plata (lit. Little Hands of Silver) he became internationally famous as a flamenco guitarist. Playing in the bars of the Cote d'Azur he became friendly with Picasso, Cocteau, Dali and even Brigitte Bardot. He sold over 93 million records but allegedly spent all his money on his family, beautiful women and fast cars. Given that he acknowledged 13 children (from a rumoured 23/24) his family was quite extensive and it is no surprise that he died broke, but surrounded by his family in a retirement home.
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