José Padilla

José Padilla Sánchez (28 May 1889 in Almería – 25 October 1960 in Madrid), popularly known as Maestro Padilla was a famous Spanish composer and pianist. He was best known for the songs La Violetera and El Relicario, popularized by cuplé singer Raquel Meller, and the pasodoble song Valencia.

He became famous in France as he composed songs for the Moulin Rouge, like Ça c'est Paris. La Violetera was adapted by Charlie Chaplin for the soundtrack of City Lights (1931).

José Padilla Sánchez was born in Almería in 1889. He took his first music lessons from Almería´s Municipal Band director and at fourteen he produced his first written music sheet titled Las dos palomas. By the time he lived in Madrid, he attended the Real Conservatorio de Música y Declamación. Also, he became acquainted with remarcable Zarzuela composers such as Tomás Bretón, Gerónimo Giménez y Amadeo Vives.