Jose Feliciano receives first Billboard Legend Award

The 77-year-old singer and songwriter has six decades of success in the competitive U.S. market. A career that has been awarded several times, and that has been recognized once again with the first edition of the Billboard Legend Award.

His version of 'Light my fire' (1968), the song by The Doors, was a resounding success. But more relevant was his song 'Feliz Navidad', not only because of its success, but because the title and part of the lyrics are in Spanish. The song is from 1970, and according to the American Society of Composers (ASCAP), it is one of the 25 most played Christmas songs worldwide. It has almost 390 million plays on Spotify.

After the hit 'Light My Fire', Feliciano was invited to sing the national anthem at a World Series game between the Cardigans and the Tigers in 1968. His version of 'The Star Spangled' Banner was not to everyone's liking.'

José Feliciano was once threatened with deportation. However, this was not possible and could never have happened, since Feliciano is an American citizen.

Fourteen hours a day

José Feliciano was born in Lares, Puerto Rico, in 1945. A victim of glaucoma, he lost his sight almost at birth. He became fond of the guitar at a young age, to which he dedicated fourteen hours a day. He performed in theaters and bars, until he had the opportunity to release his first album titled, without much imagination, 'The voice and guitar of Jose Feliciano'.

In the 70's and 80's he became one of the best known Hispanic artists. His music has accompanied the music scene to the present day. In 2020 he released his first album recorded in Nashville, titled 'Behind this guitar'.

In 1968 he received an award for his version of 'Light my fire', and 'Best new artist'. And between 1983 and 1990 he won four 'Best Latin Pop Performance' awards. Now his music is getting a new award, with this recognition of his career as a whole.