When it comes to guitar-playing legends, José Feliciano is undoubtedly one of them. He is a Puerto Rican musician, singer, and composer who has made a name in the music industry for his unique style of playing the guitar and his soulful voice. One of his most popular songs is "Light My Fire," which has become an iconic classic in the world of music.
Early Life and Career
José Feliciano was born on September 10, 1945, in Lares, Puerto Rico. He was born blind, but that did not stop him from pursuing his passion for music. At the age of five, his family moved to New York City, where he started playing the guitar.
In 1964, at the age of 19, he released his first album, "The Voice and Guitar of José Feliciano." The album was a success, and it led to his appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," which catapulted him to stardom.
Light My Fire
"Light My Fire" is a song originally recorded by The Doors in 1967. However, it was José Feliciano's cover of the song that made it a hit. He recorded the song for his 1968 album "Feliciano!" and it became an instant success.
Feliciano's version of "Light My Fire" is very different from the original. He slowed down the tempo, added a flamenco-style guitar solo, and changed some of the lyrics. The result was a beautiful and soulful rendition that captured the hearts of many.
Impact and Legacy
José Feliciano's cover of "Light My Fire" became an instant classic and is still popular today. It has been covered by many other artists, including Shirley Bassey, Stevie Wonder, and UB40. It also earned Feliciano a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1969.
Aside from "Light My Fire," José Feliciano has also released many other hit songs, including "Che Sarà," "Chico and the Man," and "Feliz Navidad." He has sold over 90 million records worldwide and has been inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame and the Guitar Player Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
José Feliciano is a true icon in the music industry. His unique style of playing the guitar and his soulful voice have captured the hearts of many. "Light My Fire" is just one of the many songs that have made him a legend. His impact on music will always be remembered and celebrated.
