Jose Feliciano

Biography

José Feliciano, born José Montserrate Feliciano García on September 10, 1945, in Lares, Puerto Rico, is a pioneering Puerto Rican singer, guitarist, and composer renowned for his virtuosic guitar technique and soulful voice. Blind from birth, Feliciano moved with his family to New York City at age five, where he immersed himself in music, learning to play the accordion and guitar by ear. His early exposure to both Latin and American popular music shaped his distinctive style, blending bolero, jazz, pop, and rock influences.

Feliciano's career breakthrough came in the mid-1960s after a successful performance at Argentina's Mar del Plata Festival led to his first Spanish-language recordings, including the hit 'Poquita Fe.' He achieved international fame with his 1968 English-language album 'Feliciano!' and his innovative cover of The Doors' 'Light My Fire,' which won him two Grammy Awards. In 1970, his self-penned holiday classic 'Feliz Navidad' became a perennial favorite worldwide. Over his decades-long career, Feliciano has released more than 50 albums in multiple languages, earning nine Grammy Awards, a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Regarded as the first Latin artist to successfully cross over into the English-language market, Feliciano's legacy includes opening doors for generations of Latino musicians. His unique fusion of genres and expressive guitar work have influenced countless artists, and his contributions are celebrated with numerous honors, including induction into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame and the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Fun Facts

• Feliciano's stylized performance of the U.S. National Anthem at the 1968 World Series was controversial at the time but later recognized as groundbreaking and is now featured in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
• He has recorded songs in more than four languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
• Feliciano's artifacts and memorabilia are part of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's permanent collection.
• A public school in New York City, P.S. 155, was renamed the José Feliciano Performing Arts School in his honor.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Andrés Segovia - Feliciano has cited classical guitarist Andrés Segovia as a major influence on his guitar technique and musical approach. (General influence on Feliciano's fingerstyle and classical technique) [Childhood and adolescence]
• Ray Charles - Ray Charles inspired Feliciano with his ability to transcend genres and his soulful vocal delivery. (Influence on Feliciano's vocal style and genre-blending) [Childhood and adolescence]

Key Collaborators

• Rick Jarrard - Producer who played a pivotal role in Feliciano's crossover success, notably encouraging him to record 'Light My Fire.' ('Feliciano!' album (1968)) [Late 1960s]
• José Hernández - Collaborated on the mariachi album 'A Mexico...con Amor,' providing orchestral arrangements. ('A Mexico...con Amor' (2005)) [2005]

Artists Influenced

• Gloria Estefan - Feliciano's crossover success paved the way for Estefan and other Latin artists in the U.S. market. (General influence on crossover Latin pop) [1980s–present]
• Marc Anthony - Inspired by Feliciano's blending of Latin and pop genres and international success. (General influence on Latin pop and salsa) [1990s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Feliz Navidad
2. Por Qué Te Tengo Que Olvidar? (Mis Mejores Canciones - 17 Super Exitos)
3. Feliz Navidad (Feliz Navidad)
4. El Tango De Roxanne - From "Moulin Rouge" Soundtrack
5. Para Decir Adiós (Lo Mejor De...)
6. Un Veneno - G-Mix (El Madrileño)
7. El Tango De Roxanne - From "Moulin Rouge" Soundtrack
8. Paso La Vida Pensando (Lo Mejor De...)
9. Feliz Navidad (My Name Is José Feliciano)
10. Por Ella (with José José) (Coleccion Original: José Feliciano)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia