Antonio González Batista, also “El Pescaílla,” was born on 3 March 1925 in the Barcelona neighborhood of Gracia, Spain. His parents were a musical family. His paternal grandfather, Manuel González, was a guitarist and also made his living selling fish. Due to this, Antonio acquired the nickname “Sardineta” during his early years.
Quick Facts About Antonio González
| Full Name | Antonio González Batista |
| Birthdate | March 3, 1925 |
| Age (at death) | 74 years old |
| Place of Birth | Gracia, Barcelona, Spain |
| Occupation | Singer, Guitarist, Composer |
| Music Genre | Catalan Rumba, Flamenco |
| Famous For | Being a pioneer of Catalan Rumba |
| Instrument | Guitar |
| Husband/Wife | Lola Flores (1958–1995) |
| Other Relationships | Dolores Amaya Moreno, Carmelita Santos |
| Children | Lolita Flores, Antonio Flores, Rosario Flores |
| Grandchildren | Alba Flores, Elena Furiase, Lola Orellana, Pedro Antonio Lazaga, Guillermo Furiase |
| Parents | Manuel González “El Chindo” (father) |
| Siblings | Not Known |
| Education | N/A |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Death | November 12, 1999, Alcobendas, Madrid |
| Cause of Death | Liver cancer |
Music Career and Legacy
Antonio González became a legendary artist. He is referred to as one of the fathers of Catalan Rumba, a fusion of flamenco and Afro-Cuban music. His style inspired numerous artists. He developed the “rumba flamenca catalana,” which gained popularity in Spain.
El Pescaílla was a good guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His songs were full of rhythm and vigor. Most Spanish artists emulated his style. His impact on flamenco and rumba continues to be felt today.
Marriage to Lola Flores
In 1958, Antonio married Lola Flores, a well-known singer, dancer, and actress. They wedded on October 27. It was a lavish ceremony in Spain. They had three children together: Lolita Flores, Antonio Flores, and Rosario Flores. All three took after their parents and became good musicians.
Antonio regularly used to work with Lola Flores. He accompanied her on guitar and provided the backing vocals at her performances. They both did live shows, world tours, and even some co-starring for films. Both were together musically even outside the performing scene.
Other Relationships
Prior to marrying Lola Flores, Antonio was wed to Dolores Amaya Moreno. Together, they had a daughter, Antonia (Toñi), born in 1955. He was married to Carmelita Santos between 1956 and 1957 and Dolores Amaya from 1955 to 1956.
Later Life and Death
El Pescaílla kept on performing and inspiring musicians for decades. But his personal life was marred by losses later on. His wife, Lola Flores, died in 1995. Soon after, his son Antonio Flores died too. These losses had a profound impact on him.
Antonio González died on November 12, 1999, in Alcobendas, Madrid. He had liver cancer. His death signaled the end of an era in Spanish music.
Connection to Alba Flores
Antonio González was Alba Flores’s grandfather, a popular Spanish actress. She is popular for her performances in La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) and Vis a Vis (Locked Up). Alba Flores is the child of Antonio Flores and Ana Villa. Her father, Antonio Flores, was a great singer and songwriter. He even wrote a song for her named “Alba.”
Alba Flores comes from a family of artists. Her aunts, Lolita and Rosario Flores, are also renowned singers. She did not follow music like her family members but was successful in acting.
READ ALSO: Alba Flores Net worth, Age, Boyfriend, Family, Facts & More
Influence of Antonio González
El Pescaílla left behind a great musical heritage. His contribution to Catalan Rumba revolutionized the Spanish music industry for good. His music still inspires musicians today. His family keeps his legacy alive as well. Although Alba Flores opted for acting instead of music, she inherits the artistic gene of her grandfather.
Antonio González “El Pescaílla” will never be forgotten as the forefather of Spanish music and as a principal influence on flamenco and rumba.
