Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

La Niña de los Peines

Role / Field:

Pioneering Spanish flamenco singer, celebrated for her powerful voice and artistry.

Born:

1890-02-10

Died:

1969-11-26

Century / Era:

1890s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Pastora Pavón Cruz, known as La Niña de los Peines (10 February 1890 – 26 November 1969), is considered the most important woman flamenco singer of the 20th century. She was a sister of singers Arturo Pavón and Tomás Pavón, also an important flamenco singer, and aunt to Arturo Pavón, the first flamenco pianist. Both brothers, Pastora and Tomás, together with singer Manuel Torre, were the inspiring models for the next generation of singers like Antonio Mairena, Pepe de la Matrona or Fosforito, who led the movement towards the revival of traditional forms in the decades of the 1950s-1970s. Born in the famous quarter of Alameda Hércules, in Seville, she started singing for the public as at the age of 8, in the Seville Spring Fair.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Later, when she was singing at Café de la Marina, a café cantante in Madrid, she acquired the nickname La Niña de los Peines (The Girl of the Combs, a nickname she never liked), as she usually sang a stanza in tangos style with the following lyrics: Peinate tú con mis peines Mis peines son de canela Comb with my combs My combs are made of cinnamon She never learned to read or write, and only learned to sing when she was already an adult. Her...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1890 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1890
• February 10 (02-10) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 10
• 1969 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1969
• November 26 (11-26) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 26

Frequently Asked Questions about La Niña de los Peines