Andres Segovia

Spanish guitarist, one of the world's foremost classical guitarists with his remarkable virtuosity and musicianship. From the time of his 1910 debut in Madrid, he helped elevate the guitar to importance as a solo classical instrument on a par with the piano, violin and cello. He also won for himself a place among the most influential performers of the 20th century.

As a youth in Linares, Andres studied the violin briefly but was unmoved by the instrument. It was the guitar that spoke to his ear and his heart. Apart from a few lessons from a strolling flamenco player, he was self-taught. His tastes ran to sophisticated Spanish music, baroque music and works by contemporary guitar masters.

Behind his bland, avuncular exterior, Segovia was a man of strong feelings. He distained the electric guitar and denounced rock music as a "strange and terrible disease." He practiced five hours daily and even in his 90's was still playing up to 60 concerts a year around the world. He was also a tireless teacher.

Segovia married three times. He wrote his memoir, "Segovia," in 1976.

He died 2 June 1987 in Madrid, Spain.