La Susi por bulerias
The 1970s were a period of profound political and social change in Spain. It was a time of creative explosion, when artists started to explore and experiment with musical styles from Europe and the United States—rock, jazz, blues, psychedelic music, and soul blended with flamenco roots.
However, when we look at the documentaries, books, and websites that talk about this era, there is a glaring omission: women are almost completely erased from the narrative.
Despite the fact that many female artists were creating, innovating, and pioneering at the exact same time—and often in the same way as their male counterparts—they are barely mentioned, if at all.
One clear example of this erasure is the famous documentary Flamenco Revolution, which attempts to chronicle that period but only references male artists. It highlights names like Camarón, Smash, Pata Negra, and Ketama—even mentioning a few male-led bands of lesser relevance—while completely ignoring key female figures who were fundamental to that creative explosion.
Artists like Amina, Las Deblas, Marian Conde, Perlita de Huelva, Rosa Morena, María Jiménez, La Terremoto, and Morucha are simply not acknowledged.
In fact, the only women mentioned are Lole Montoya—primarily because of her relationship with the main male figure of the story—and Las Grecas, who are referenced briefly but in an unfortunate and dismissive way, without giving them the recognition they deserve as true pioneers of flamenco-rock fusion.
This omission is not just a mistake; it’s a serious distortion of history.
If you only rely on sources like Flamenco Revolution, you will miss half of the real story. You will miss the women who were equally—if not more—bold and innovative during that pivotal time.
It’s frustrating, but sadly we are still far from seeing this historical damage repaired and these women properly acknowledged as fundamental parts of flamenco and Spanish cultural history.
Among all these overlooked artists, I especially want to highlight La Susi.
La Susi was one of the most complete and influential figures in flamenco fusion. With over 20 albums and several huge hits, she was a wild, charismatic presence who fearlessly defended the role of women in flamenco.
She actively fought for their recognition and rights, opening doors for future generations of female singers and performers.
Her voice, full of strength and nuance, symbolized both the depth of traditional flamenco and the urge for freedom and change that defined her era.
We cannot understand the true Flamenco Revolution without honoring the contributions of its women. They were not the footnotes of history—they were half of the story.
It’s time we start telling it properly.