5 Reasons to Love....Jose Feliciano

With a career spanning over fifty years, Jose Feliciano is one of the biggest names in music. His hits such as Feliz Navidad, still one of the most played Christmas songs ever, and Light My Fire made the Puerto Rican a global household name while, as supremely gifted guitarist and singer-songwriter, he remains an icon for serious music lovers. But don't believe the hype. Listen and see for yourself in these 5 examples why the guy is considered an absolute genius
by Sarah Quarmby
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1. The kid got talent (and knows it)

At the mere age of 17, the boy from a small island Puerto Rico, arrived in the US, not only proving to be a giant guitar virtuoso, but also hugely adaptable -  turning his hand to a vast array of different genres and styles, somehow managing to make them both true to the originals and quintessentially his own. In this clip performing a duet with Bing Crosby in 1968 (4 mins) he is either blissfully unaware that his talent is showing up a legend or he’s doing it on purpose. Is there’s a bit of tension and musical one-upmanship between the pair? Or is its just plain to see that Feliciano is that much better than Bing?

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"3396","attributes":{"alt":"5 instruments in a Guitar - Jose Feliciano","class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]] 

2.  No Blacks, No Irish, no Blind Dogs 

José’s relationship with London got off to a shaky start in the 60s when the UK authorities refused his guide-dog entry unless it was quarantined for six months. Feliciano responded to the draconian measures, which were intended to stop the spread of rabies, with a song called ‘No Dogs Allowed’. This later became a top ten hit in the Netherlands. Here’s him performing it live:

 [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"3397","attributes":{"alt":"Jose Feliciano No Dogs Allowed (live 60s fantastic guitar)","class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]]

3. Better than the Originals

It’s an open secret in the music world that Feliciano’s many covers are without exception better than the originals. (yes even Hendrix’s Purple Haze). Perhaps this is the real reason why huge controversy followed Feliciano’s rendition of the American Nation Anthem before game five of the 1968 World Series between the St. Luis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers. Listeners were caught off guard by José’s personalised, Latin jazz interpretation with some veterans reportedly throwing their shoes at the TV as he sang. This was the first time that someone had dared to perform a non-traditional version of Star Spangled Banner and opened the way for numerous subsequent interpretations and renditions. Always ahead of his time:

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"3398","attributes":{"alt":"1968 World Series - National Anthem by José Feliciano","class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]]

4. And You Dare duet with this guy?

Some may say that José was like the Pitbull of his time; every major artist wanted to do a duet with him, even though he pretty much left them sitting aghast in wonder. Being so difficult to choose one, we’ve opted for this fake one - Billie Jean with Michael Jackson - where Jose does on his guitar what Michael Jackson does with his feet; supreme virtuosity:

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"3402","attributes":{"alt":"Michael Jackson & Jose Feliciano - Billie Jean","class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]]

5.  One for the Latinos... 

...Don't you just love a Latino love in? 

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"3405","attributes":{"alt":"Carlos Santana / José Feliciano / Ricky Martin - Light My Fire / Oye Como Va (Guajira)","class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]]

And well, if none of the above convinces you of the genius of Jose Feliciano, let the Germans have the last say…

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"3403","attributes":{"alt":"Jose Feliciano Mozart classical guitar with Berliner Simphony","class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]]

Jose Feliciano will be playing at St. Johns in an intimate concert on October 31st and November 1st. For more info go to:

 www.soundcraftltd.com/jose-feliciano/4585958529 

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