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José Feliciano is one of the most versatile and talented musicians of our time. He has recorded many international hits, such as his rendition of the Doors’ “Light My Fire” and his self-penned Christmas song “Feliz Navidad”. He has also won nine Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Latin Music Hall of Fame1
Origins and Early Career
José Feliciano was born on September 10, 1945, in Lares, Puerto Rico. He was born blind as a result of congenital glaucoma. He was first exposed to music at the age of three, playing on a tin can while accompanying his uncle who played the cuatro, a Puerto Rican string instrument. He moved to New York City with his family when he was five and started singing and playing the accordion. He later taught himself to play the guitar by listening to records of blues, jazz, and classical guitarists2
He began his professional career in the early 1960s, performing in clubs and coffee houses in Greenwich Village and other cities. He was discovered by an executive from RCA Victor and signed a contract with the label in 1963. He released his first album, The Voice and Guitar of José Feliciano, in 1965, followed by several others in both English and Spanish. He also toured as a supporting act for artists like Sammy Davis Jr., Tom Jones, and Johnny Cash3
Breakthrough and Success
José Feliciano’s breakthrough came in 1968, when he released his album Feliciano!, which featured his cover of the Doors’ “Light My Fire”. The song became a huge hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It also earned him two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Performance4
He followed up with more hits, such as “Che Sara”, “California Dreamin’”, and “Chico and the Man”, the theme song for the popular TV sitcom. He also recorded albums in various genres, such as flamenco, bolero, salsa, and soul. He collaborated with many artists, such as John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Julio Iglesias. He also performed at many prestigious venues and events, such as the White House, the Vatican, and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony5
Challenges and Comeback
José Feliciano faced some challenges in his career, such as controversies over his rendition of the national anthem at the 1968 World Series, which some people considered disrespectful, and his struggle with drug addiction in the 1970s, which affected his health and productivity. He also had legal disputes with his former manager and record company over royalties and contracts6
He overcame these difficulties and made a comeback in the 1980s, with albums such as Escenas de Amor, which featured his hit duet with Sheena Easton, “Me Gustas Tal Como Eres”, and Cielito Lindo, which showcased his Mexican roots. He also continued to release albums in the 1990s and 2000s, such as Latin Street, Señor Bolero, and Six String Lady. He also received many honors and awards, such as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award7
Legacy and Influence
José Feliciano is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected musicians of his generation, with a legacy of timeless songs and a style that transcends boundaries. He has influenced many artists across genres, such as Santana, Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, and Ed Sheeran. He has also been an inspiration for many people with disabilities, especially the visually impaired, as he has shown that nothing can stop him from pursuing his passion and dreams.
