LALLOUZ INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

Upon entering into his personal space, one could feel the extreme vibrations of a spectacular career. A history of accomplishment approaching the half century mark. Photographs, newspaper clippings and mementos adorned every possible inch of wall space. Costumes hung, one in front of the other... dozens of them!

To see Manitas de Plata, to hear him tell tales of times spent with iconic greats such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Fernandel, Charlie Chaplin, Omar Sharif, Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, The Queen of England, The King of Morocco... a man who has shared his gift of music with hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions of people around the world.

He spoke of Lucien Clergue, always remembering that if not for him, his career may never have been launched. Manitas was proud to have been instrumental in feeding all gypsies, and helping musicians like The Gipsy Kings rise to stardom.

Pictured Clockwise (from l to r): Ricardo Baliardo aka Manitas de Plata, LIM Junior Copy Editress Chanel Emmanuelle Lallouz, LIM Editress-in-Chief Contessa Rhonda von Sternberg, and LIM Publisher Elyahou Lallouz.

Image: David Levet for LIM MEDIA

A man who has musically influenced countless lives. Humble, grounded, there was an instant familiarity that allowed him to freely share cherished memories. To sojourn through time to places that now exist only in his head and heart. He played his guitar. A surreal experience. And we laughed... like old friends.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: When did you get started in music?

MANITAS DE PLATA: I was 40 years old, and now I'm 86!

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Oh, so you're still young.

MANITAS DE PLATA: (laughs) Basta!

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: You've launched many careers in the gypsy music world.

MANITAS DE PLATA: The Gipsy Kings, and many others. I love to play the guitar. I love all artists of the world. All the gypsies who are known, is thanks to me. I try to help as many as I can. And it's all for the love of playing guitar. I love the artists because they respect me, and I respect them. They're all very nice.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: They say that you are the prophet of all gypsies.

MANITAS DE PLATA: (a big smile, a pause, and some laughter -- he wanted to agree, but felt that silence was the answer, itself). The day before yesterday, I played a concert in the Arles arena. There were 10,000 people.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Did everything go well?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Everything went wonderful. Oh, I have pictures to show you.

(00:13:32)

MANITAS DE PLATA

Pablo Picasso pictured with Manitas de Plata.

LIM Exclusive Interview with Elyahou Lallouz

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: How old are you in this photo with Picasso?

MANITAS DE PLATA: I was about 40.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: And did you know Picasso well?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Very well.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Where did you meet him?

MANITAS DE PLATA: I met Picasso in Arles.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Did he visit you often?

MANITAS DE PLATA: All the time.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: And Dali also?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Dali, too. I travelled on a boat in France with Dali. And my son always pulled his mustache.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: What kind of person was Picasso?

MANITAS DE PLATA: He was an extraordinary human being. Superb. Very kind. He enjoyed having fun. He loved life.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: And Salvador Dali, what kind of person was he?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Very kind, also. But not the same.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: The opposite of Picasso?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Yes, the opposite.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Do you still speak with Brigitte Bardot?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Oh yes, she still calls me. She's a surperb woman. She's like my sister.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Have you played anywhere interesting lately outside of France?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Yes, I played eight days for the King of Morocco, a very nice man.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Where were you born?

MANITAS DE PLATA: I was born in Sète.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: And did your father play the guitar?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Yes, he played... not bad (motioning ‘comme-ci, comme ça’ with his hands).

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: So you were better than your father?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Not the same. It was my uncle who taught me how to play.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Anyone else in the family play?

MANITAS DE PLATA: My sons, including my son Manita-Fernando de Plata (hands him the guitar to play).

Manitas de Plata pictured with Charlie Chaplin.

Manitas de Plata pictured with Fernandel.

Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Manitas.

Brigitte Bardot and Manitas de Plata.

With The Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, Royal Albert Hall, November 12th, 1968.

Manitas de Plata getting a friendly kiss from Salvador Dali.

Manitas de Plata at Carnegie Hall, NY 1965.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Now, I'm going to ask you a political question. How do you feel about the situation of the world today?

MANITAS DE PLATA: ZERO! Nothing. It's worth nothing.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: And why do believe this?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Because it's really not worth a thing. Even things that are good, people will find a way to make them worth nothing today.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: And the problem being the people?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Really, it's not the same as it used to be. For me, as an example... before, people would always welcome and greet you. Now, they don't even say 'good morning'. But, I don't care. They can go stuff themselves.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: What do you see for the future?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Nothing. Nothing at all. As for me, same routine. I'm just a passenger in life.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Do you have any travel plans... to New York or anywhere?

MANITAS DE PLATA: No, not at all. I just wait. They call me... they put me on a plane, and I'll play a concert.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: So, you still do tours?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Yes. Oh, yes.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: And all the celebrities that you've shown me in your pictures, (the ones who are still alive) do they still call you?

MANITAS DE PLATA: They’re all friends of mine. Yes, they still call. Brigitte Bardot calls from time to time.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Can you say something about Camargue?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Camargue is the capital of the world. There is nothing like Camargue. Camargue is kind. The people of Camargue are very kind. If you're starving, they'll feed you. Other places, they'll let you starve! It’s not the same... not the same at all.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: What about Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Same thing... Camargue.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Can you talk about it? Because you spend a lot of time there...

MANITAS DE PLATA: I'm there every year. Participate in the festivities at the church of our patron gypsy saint, Sarah (the black Sara).

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: And people come to see you there?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Oh yes, a lot.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: And they seek your advice?

MANITAS DE PLATA: Many want advice from me, and autographs.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: Do you enjoy all the attention and requests for autographs?

MANITAS DE PLATA: I find they're all nice, and only looking for a souvenir. So, I don't mind giving it to them.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: If you had the chance, would you change anything in the world, or for yourself?

MANITAS DE PLATA: I would never change anything. I have never changed. Poor or rich, I've never changed in my life, and it will continue that way. The way I am with you now, is the same way I’ll be with you the next time. I will never change, never.

ELYAHOU LALLOUZ: What is something that disappointed you?

MANITAS DE PLATA: London. I performed 14 nights for only 7,000 people. And I would do 4 nights anywhere in America and it would be SOLD OUT.