José Feliciano, a pioneering figure in music, overcame blindness from congenital glaucoma to achieve international success.
Born on September 10, 1945, in Lares, Puerto Rico, Feliciano began playing music at the age of three and became a self-taught guitarist.
He launched his first album, “La voz de la guitarra de José Feliciano,” in 1965, marking the beginning of a prolific career with over 60 albums.
Feliciano’s rendition of “Light My Fire” in 1968 reached number three on the American charts, solidifying his status as a crossover artist blending various musical styles.
His iconic holiday song “Feliz Navidad,” released in 1970, has become a global Christmas classic, recognized as one of the most played holiday songs of all time.
Feliciano’s career faced challenges, including backlash for his performance of the national anthem at the 1968 World Series, which sparked controversy amid civil rights movements.