Jose Feliciano Net Worth

Jose Feliciano Net Worth: A Look at the Award-Winning Composer and Guitarist’s Wealth

Highlights

Jose Feliciano, the talented composer and guitarist, has a net worth of $8 million. He achieved fame and success through his multi-decade musical career, starting in the 1960s. Known for his version of the popular Christmas song “Feliz Navidad,” Feliciano’s music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Early Life

Born on September 10, 1945, in Lares, Puerto Rico, Jose Feliciano is the fourth child among eleven sons. He was born with congenital glaucoma, rendering him blind. At the age of five, his family relocated to Spanish Harlem in New York City. Feliciano’s passion for music emerged at an early age, and he taught himself to play the accordion by the time he was seven. Two years later, he began playing the guitar after receiving one as a gift from his father. Devoting up to 14 hours a day to practice, Feliciano honed his guitar skills.

Early Career

Feliciano’s first professional contract came from a coffee house called The Retort in Detroit, Michigan. Afterward, he returned to New York and continued building his career in various pubs, clubs, and coffee houses. Eventually, he caught the attention of Jack Somer, an executive at RCA Victor, and was signed to the label. In 1964, he released his first single, “Everybody Do the Click,” which gained popularity in the Philippines. Subsequently, Feliciano released his first two albums, “The Voice and Guitar of José Feliciano” and “A Bag Full of Soul,” in 1965 and 1966 respectively.

During a festival in Mar del Platta, Argentina, in 1966, Feliciano captivated RCA Victor executives with his talent. They convinced him to stay in Argentina to record an album in Spanish. This decision resulted in the production of an album featuring two hit singles, “Poquita Fe” and “Usted.” These successes propelled Feliciano to continue creating highly acclaimed singles, albums, and gold records in Latin America and within the Hispanic communities in the United States.

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Success

In 1968, Feliciano recorded the hit album “Feliciano!” with RCA Victor producer Rick Jarrard. The album included a cover of The Doors’ song, “Light My Fire,” which became a chart-topping hit. Additionally, the B-side track, “California Dreamin,” also gained immense popularity. The success of these singles led Feliciano to win the Grammy Award for Best New Artist of the Year and Best Pop Male Performance in 1968.

In the following year, Feliciano collaborated with Rick Jarrard on two more albums, both of which achieved gold certification. He also contributed to the soundtrack of the movie “Mackenna’s Gold” alongside Quincy Jones. One of the notable tracks he recorded for the film was “Old Turkey Buzzard.” Throughout his career, Feliciano appeared on various U.S. television shows, performing duets with renowned singers such as Bing Crosby, Johnny Cash, Andy Williams, and Diana Ross.

With over fifty albums released worldwide, Feliciano has explored a wide range of musical styles, including Latin, jazz, soul, rock, and blues. His unique acoustic guitar style and sound have captivated audiences and earned him numerous accolades. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987, was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2000, and was honored with the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Two years later, he became a member of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2018, Feliciano celebrated the 50th anniversary of his album “Feliciano!” with a special event held in Puerto Rico, his homeland.

Feliz Navidad

In 1970, Feliciano released a Christmas album that featured the track “Feliz Navidad.” This original song, written and composed by Feliciano, quickly became a massive hit. It has since been recorded by numerous artists worldwide and remains one of the most played and downloaded songs during the holiday season. Its enduring popularity has led to significant royalties for Jose Feliciano, with estimates suggesting he earns hundreds of thousands of dollars annually from “Feliz Navidad.” For comparison, Mariah Carey earns an estimated $600,000 – $1.2 million in royalties from her hit Christmas song “All I Want For Christmas” each year.

Personal Life

Jose Feliciano has been married twice. His first marriage to Janne Perez ended in 1978. In 1982, he married Susan Omillian, whom he had met years earlier while still married to Perez. Omillian, an art student in Detroit during their initial meeting, dated Feliciano for eleven years before their marriage. The couple has two sons and one daughter.

Net Worth Over Time

Jose Feliciano’s net worth of $8 million reflects his successful music career spanning several decades. From his early releases to collaborations with renowned artists and his continued exploration of diverse musical genres, Feliciano’s talent has earned him both critical acclaim and financial success.

Components of Net Worth

Jose Feliciano’s net worth comprises various factors, including album sales, royalties from popular songs like “Feliz Navidad,” concert tours, and appearances on television shows. His extensive discography and continued popularity contribute to his overall wealth. Additionally, his successful collaborations and contributions to other artists’ albums have also contributed to his financial standing.

All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources. While we strive for accuracy, the figures mentioned here are estimates. We welcome any corrections or feedback to ensure the information is as up-to-date and precise as possible.

Source: Celebrity Net Worth

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