Paco de Lucía Declared Sole Author of Iconic Flamenco Works in Historic Ruling
In a landmark decision for the music industry, the Provincial Court of Madrid has ruled that acclaimed flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía is the sole author of 37 of his compositions, including the iconic piece 'Entre dos aguas.' This ruling comes after a lengthy 14-year legal battle initiated by the heirs of the late virtuoso against José Torregrosa, a music producer who had been recognized as a coauthor for merely transcribing the scores originally created by de Lucía.
This significant ruling was affirmed earlier this year by the Commercial Court No. 3 of Madrid and represents a crucial shift in how authorship and copyright are enforced within the music sector. The court's determination solidifies the rights of composers, allowing them to reclaim full authorship of their works when faced with producers who do not contribute original creative content.
Lucía Sánchez, the daughter of Paco de Lucía and a specialist lawyer in intellectual property, expressed profound satisfaction with the decision. "The ruling was sent to us by him from heaven; I am absolutely sure of it," she remarked, celebrating the verdict on the 11th anniversary of her father's passing.
Sánchez recounted the emotional journey of discovering the complexities behind authorship and copyright, revealing that her father, during his lifetime, remained unaware that he was not credited as the sole composer of 'Entre dos aguas.' "When I initially informed him of this discrepancy, he was stunned; he couldn't believe it," she recalled, sharing how the situation led them to consult Teddy Bautista, the former director of the General Society of Authors and Publishers (SGAE). Bautista confirmed that Torregrosa had indeed been listed as coauthor alongside de Lucía.
The recent ruling not only vindicates de Lucía’s legacy but also sets a precedent for future authors battling similar issues in the Spanish music industry. Sánchez mentioned receiving inquiries from numerous authors seeking to reclaim full authorship of their compositions, hinting at a broader movement for justice within the field.
As Sánchez reflected on the ruling, she expressed a dual sense of excitement—one for achieving justice for her father and the other for effectively challenging an entrenched and unjust practice within the music industry. This ruling may pave the way for significant reform in music copyright laws, ensuring that true creators are acknowledged and respected for their artistic contributions.
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