Segovia, Andrés << suh GOH vee uh, ahn DREHS >> (1893-1987), was the most influential classical guitarist of the 1900’s. Segovia helped to establish the modern technique of guitar playing and was largely responsible for raising the guitar’s status to that of a solo instrument in classical music. Segovia’s skill encouraged important composers to write for the guitar. Segovia also adapted works of many famous composers for the guitar and wrote some original pieces. He inspired generations of guitarists through his concert and television performances, recordings, and teachings.
Segovia was born on Feb. 21, 1893, in Linares, Spain. He began to teach himself to play the guitar when he was 12 years old. By the early 1930’s, Segovia had gained international fame through concert tours of Europe, South America, and the United States. He died on June 2, 1987.
