In 2005 director Jaime Chávarri brought out the biopic "Camarón" in Spain starring Óscar Jaeneda as Camarón himself and Verónica Sánchez as La Chispa. It was estimated that more than 100,000 attended his funeral. All good things must come to an end though, and in 1992, José Monje Cruz died of lung cancer. This was a turning point in the history of Flamenco music that helped distinguish nuevo flamenco. Although his work brought criticism from some traditionalists, he was one of the first to feature an electric bass in his songs. Many consider Camarón to be the single most popular and influential flamenco "cantaor" (singer) of the modern period.
Shortly afterwards the couple had two children, and were eventually to have a total of four. At the age of 23 Camarón married Dolores Montoya, a gypsy girl from La Línea de La Concepción who he nicknamed "La Chispa" (The Spark). As Paco de Lucía became more occupied with solo concert commitments, Camarón would work with one of Paco's students, Tomatito, also one of the important figures in modern flamenco guitar. The two would tour extensively together during this period. It was there that he met Paco de Lucía with whom he would record nine albums between 19. Camarón then went to Madrid with Miguel de Los Reyes and in 1968 became a resident artist at the Torres Bermejas Tablao, where he remained for twelve years. Two years later he won first prize in the Festival del Cante Jondo in Mairena de Alcor. At fourteen he appeared in the film "El Amor Brujo" with Antonio Gades. At the age of eight he began to sing at inns and bus stops with Rancapino to earn money. His uncle José nicknamed him Camarón (Spanish for "Shrimp") because he was blonde haired and fair skinned. 4 x Camarón de la Isla - La leyenda del tiempoĤ x Camarón de la Isla - Nana del caballo grandeĤ x Camarón de la Isla - Nana del Caballo GrandeĬamarón de la Isla (born December 5, 1950, San Fernando, Cádiz, Spain died July 2, 1992, Badalona, Spain), was the stage name of flamenco singer José Monje Cruz (who is sometimes also credited as José Monge Cruz).