DEATH OF AN IMPORTANT FLAMENCO
I have just learned of the passing of Donn Pohren. He was, besides being an extremely charming and brilliant man, an important author and flamenco aficionado. His books include “The Art of Flamenco”, “Lives and Legends of Flamenco”, “A Way of Life”, and “Paco de Lucia and Family”, among others. Although born in Minneapolis, MN he lived in Spain since 1953 and was married to dancer Luisa Maravilla. To my knowledge, they had one daughter. He was named “flamencologist” by the Catedra de Flamencologia in Jerez de Frontera and is the only non-Spaniard to have received this honor. He is the person most closely associated with the Moron de Frontera/Diego del Gastor scene as he owned and ran a finca there for eight years.
I met him on one of my first trips to Madrid, at Cafe Silverio in Malasaña. He invited me to play tennis with him and we did, a few times. We also shared wine and tapas and I listened carefully to his stories.
He died on November 5th, 2007 and his loss will be deeply felt by many. I invite readers of this post to send their thoughts and reminiscences. Rest in peace, Donn Pohren.