Antonio
Izquierdo, “Merenguito”
was born in Madrid in the area of Vallecas. In his family
were various artists who influenced his early passion for
the art of flamenco, participating in meetings with Pepe
Pinto, Angelillo and the Niña de los Peines,
among other great artists.
In his artistic activity its important to emphasise his performances
at the Café Silverio,
which no longer exists, together with other stars of song
and the guitar such as Rafael Romero, Enrique Orozco, Manolo
Heras, Perico el Lunar, familia Habichuela, etc. his tours
with the dancer Sara Lezana.
He
obtained numerous prizes among
which were:
First prize in Baza (Granada 1980)
First
prize of Abandolao Song in Velez Malaga (homage to Juan
Breva 1982)
First prize “por tarantos” in the Festival of
La Unión (Murcia 1984)
First prize “Cante por Malaueñas” (Malaga
1983)
First prize “Cantes de Cadiz” (Fuengirola, Malaga
1983)
First prize “por Rondeñas” in the Festival
of La Unión (Murcia 1985)
Prize for Granaínas” in the Festival of La
Unión (Murcia 1987)
First prize for Saetas in La Unión (Murcia 1993,
1994 and 1997)
Prize of Tarantas in the XXXVI Festival of the Cante de
las Minas (1996)
First prize for Tonás in La Unión (Murcia
1998)
First
prize for Malagueñas in La Unión (Murcia 1998)
Second prize of the Lampara Minera (1998).
