José Blas Vega

José Blas Vega (Madrid, b. 17.02.1942, d. 24.10.2012) was a Spanish producer and writer, one of the most important researchers of flamenco. Author of more than twenty books published, among them the monumental "Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary of Flamenco" and his latest book (2008) "The Madrid cabarets", as well as numerous articles, essays, prefaces and lectures. Having been awarded with the most significant awards in their field. Among the various activities and appointments he was jury's member on many competitions and national awards. Complementing this work, field recording, as head of folklore's department on Hispavox label for fifteen years, has made a personal production of over three hundred volumes and direction of the work Magna Antología del Cante Flamenco, Culture's Ministry National Award in 1984. He also used alias Opalo on his writing credits. He has participated in numerous conferences and collective works. His rigor for documentation and his ability to synthesize, along with his work of historical clarification, are the basic features of his investigative work. In addition to being a passionate bibliophile, he runs one of the most known, traditional and antiquarian bookshops in Madrid.