José Feliciano

José Feliciano is a foundational figure in the history of Latin-American crossover music. Born blind in Puerto Rico and raised in New York City, his sound is a sophisticated synthesis of traditional bolero, American soul, jazz, and folk-rock.

His 1968 album 'Feliciano!' was a watershed moment, earning him two Grammy Awards including Best New Artist. He is perhaps most culturally significant for his 1970 hit 'Feliz Navidad,' which remains one of the most played holiday songs globally. Beyond his commercial success, Feliciano is a guitar virtuoso whose style incorporates complex fingerpicking and percussive techniques that influenced generations of acoustic players. His career arc spans over five decades and 50 albums, maintaining a dual-market presence in both English and Spanish-speaking territories. Critically, he is respected for his ability to radically deconstruct and rebuild pop standards, such as his controversial 1968 soulful rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' which was the first time the anthem was stylized in a contemporary pop fashion during a major sporting event.