He is the great-grandson of nineteenth-century seguiriya maestro Francisco Valencia, whose nickname was Paco la Luz.

Mercé's nickname comes from his participation in the choir of the Basilica de la Merced when he was a boy.

[1] The youthful Mercé became one of the most sought-after singers for accompanying dance, and he has worked with the Trío Madrid, formed by Mario Maya, El Güito and Carmen Mora.

From 1973 to 1983 he joined the company of Antonio Gades, with which he travelled half-way around half the world and took part in the film Bodas de Sangre, by Carlos Saura.

He has also worked with guitarists Enrique De Melchor, Tomatito, Vicente Amigo and Moraito.