His mother, Isabel, was famous for her singing of religiously inspired Saetas, a vocal style which has since been incorporated into the flamenco palo.

Martínez was a virtuoso exponent of 'Flamenco Lírico', a style of playing which emphasises the melodic as well as rhythmic elements of flamenco.

Martínez was cited by Carlos Montoya, in the New York Guitar Review, as being one of the very finest flamenco guitarists of his generation along with Manolo de Huelva, Sabicas, Mario Escudero and Niño Ricardo.

The BBC made a documentary about his life called My Friend Pepe Martinez (1970)[1] which was part of a series of programs about the spirit of Spain.

Pepe also featured, along with Andrés Segovia, in a French television film titled Sortileges du Flamenco.