Biography

Rafael Antonio Salazar Motos (born (1923-06-02)June 2, 1923), commonly known as Rafael Farina (Rafael Salazar for his composing work), was a singer of Copla and Flamenco. His granddaughter is the pop-singer Tamara. Farina was born in Martinamor, into a Romani family, his father, Antonio Salazar Motos, was a cattle dealer, in Alba de Tormes, Martinamor; his mother was Jesusa Motos. He began his career at the age of six singing in the bars of Barrio Chino in Salamanca, accompanied by his older brother, Rafael Salazar Motos, Calderas de Salamanca, also a singer. In 1949 he obtained some fame participating in a tribute to Juanito Mojama. Previously, he had performed at El Colmao. After joining the company of Concha Piquer, he was able to go on tour throughout Spain and America. In 1952 he participated in the revival of the play "La copla andaluza" at the Pavón Theater in Madrid. In 1956 he managed to premiere his own show and in 1968 he worked with Lola Flores at Arte Español.