Famed Flamenco Guitarist Paco de Lucia, who revolutionized the Spanish music genre, died on Wednesday in Mexico. He was 66.

Paco de Lucia Dies

De Lucia is believed to have suffered a heart attack on Wednesday while playing music with family members on a Cancun beach. He died on his way to a local hospital, reported CNN.

Joining forces with singer Camaron de la Isla in the 60s kicked off de Lucia's successful turn in the music industry. Together, they released more than 10 records, which varied between the more traditional to those infused with rock and pop sensibilities. One of de Lucia’s most popular songs was “Entre Dos Aguas (Between Two Waters).”

Throughout his illustrious career, de Lucia modernized flamenco, allowing it to reach a broader audience than ever before. Teaming up with guitarists like Eric Clapton and Al Di Meola, the Algeciras, Spain native brought his music to the mainstream. He also collaborated with jazz artists, such as Chick Corea.

“I am a purist within my aura of revolutionary, vanguardist or creator,” de Lucia told El País in 2004. “I’m still a purist because I have always respected what I think is respectable. What I have is not the obedience the purists continue to have, but the respect for the essence, the old, the valid. Memory.”

– Chelsea Regan

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