He recorded his first album in 1963, and went on a world tour after a successful concert at New York's Carnegie Hall.
He was a renowned French flamenco guitarist. Early in his career, he frequented cafés on the French Riviera, and associated with celebrities including Brigitte Bardot, Jean Cocteau, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali.
His nickname in Spanish translates as small hands of silver or fairy's hands. He became famous for his dexterity and artistry as a guitarist in his childhood when those hands were small.
His income from his concerts and records made him the main breadwinner for his extended family. He recognized at least 13 children from different mothers.
Manitas de Plata means "little hands of silver" in Spanish.