José Feliciano

International recording legend José Feliciano has been a Connecticut resident since 1990 and currently lives in Weston. Born on September 10, 1945 in Lares, Puerto Rico, he’s been blind since birth and has been an inspiration to millions around the world since the release of his debut album, The Voice and Guitar of José Feliciano, in 1965. As of June 2024, Feliciano has recorded 56 studio LPs in total in English and Spanish; he’s cut 23 albums since moving to Connecticut, the most recent being 2023’s Behind This Guitar.

Feliciano’s achievements include 45 gold and/or platinum records, 19 Grammy nominations and nine Grammys. In 1968, his rendition of The Doors’ “Light My Fire” reached #3 in the US, #1 in Canada and #6 in the UK in addition to being a major hit on Connecticut radio stations. His song “Feliz Navidad,” which he recorded in 1970, has become a holiday classic across the globe.

Connecticut appearances, Fairfield’s Rockin’ Top 10

Feliciano has performed at number of Connecticut venues, including Hartford’s Bushnell Memorial (April 30, 1969), Wallingford’s Oakdale Theatre (July 1–5, 1969), Uncasville’s Mohegan Sun Arena (May 21, 1998), Jorgensen Auditorium UCONN Storrs (February 14-15, 2003) and Hartford’s Xfinity Hall (December 15, 2012). On January 16, 2014, he was one of 10 renowned Connecticut-based musicians that the Fairfield Museum and History Center honored at an event referred to as Fairfield’s Rockin’ Top 10.

In a March 27, 2014, the Connecticut Post’s Scott Gargan asked Feliciano how it felt be called one of the state’s most influential musicians. “It’s a wonderful thing,” he said. “I never thought I’d be included. There are so many great musicians in Connecticut. This state has a tremendous history.”

(by Tony Renzoni)

Tony Renzoni is the author of Connecticut Rock ‘n’ Roll: A History (The History Press, 2017) and portions of this piece are taken from that book.