José Feliciano

José Montserrate Feliciano García (born September 10, 1945), better known simply as José Feliciano [xoˈse feliˈsjano], is a Puerto Rican virtuoso guitarist, singer, and composer known for many international hits, including his rendition of The Doors' "Light My Fire" and the best-selling Christmas single, "Feliz Navidad". His music is known for having a mix of styles, for example including both Flamenco music and mellow easy listening influences in many songs.

In the US, he received widespread popularity in the 1960s, particularly after his 1968 album, Feliciano!, came out and was a No. 2 hit. He has released many albums over the years in both English and Spanish.

Childhood

Feliciano was born in Lares, Puerto Rico, on September 10, 1945. Left permanently blind at birth as a result of congenital glaucoma, he was first exposed to music at the age of three; he would play on a tin cracker can while accompanying his uncle, who played the cuatro. When Feliciano was five, his family moved to Spanish Harlem, New York City, and at nine he played the Teatro Puerto Rico in The Bronx.