I love Lage too, but I play guitar. I think people who play an instrument are vastly more aware of star instrumentalists than the general public, especially the star instrumentalists who play the same instrument you do.

The statement might be hyperbole. But most people seem to need vocals in their music, like kind of an anchor. I mostly listen to instrumental music, and have always found it difficult to share that interest.

If they don't have to be living, then Paco de Lucia has to be mentioned somewhere. Almoraima specifically.