The winner of the prestigious nationwide contest of Flamenco arts in 1976, Jose de la Tomasa (born: Manuel Cost Torre) has continued to influence the Flamenco tradition. Accompanied by virtuoso guitarists, Juan and Paco del Gastor, Tomasa became a member of with Flamenco vocalists Maria La Burra and Maria Solea to record the historical recording Cante Gitano: Gypsy Flaneco From Andalucia in 1988. Tomasa inherited his skills from his mom, Thomasa, who sang expertly. He trained along with his grandfather’s sibling, the important Flamenco vocalist, Manuel Torre.