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In Performance at the White House: Fiesta Latina, celebrating Hispanic musical heritage with a South Lawn concert and such guests as Gloria Estefan, George Lopez, the Bachata music group Aventura, Jose Feliciano and more.

In Performance at the White House: Fiesta Latina, celebrating Hispanic musical heritage with a South Lawn concert and such guests as Gloria Estefan, George Lopez, the Bachata music group Aventura, Jose Feliciano and more.

In this 1987 performance video from the iconic German television programme, “Unhe Filter,” Jose performs Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” Clearly Jose has always found Michael’s music to be extraordinary as it has been in his repertoire now for over twenty years. This performance is added here in tribute to Michael’s musical legacy and in gratitude for the kindness he personally showed to Jose.

Interesting side-point: notice his percussionist Bob Conti and keyboardist Greg Smith (Greg, incidentally worked with Michael on that album, Thriller). They still accompany Jose on stage today.

(We ask you to please ignore the fact that the YouTube audio and video tracks are not in sync)

In this video, produced by José and Susan, you can visit with José as he talks life and his incredible musical career. Shot in his private recording studio at home, it is a truly inspirational story of a God-given talent and an exhibit of human perseverance.

To facilitate easier viewing, we have divided this video into segments. We invite you to click on each one and enjoy listening to and seeing José as he reflects upon his life while playing some of his instruments and working in his most private place.

Jose Feliciano is a Roman Catholic, practicing in the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut. His Bishop, William Lori, invited Jose, his wife, Susan, and three children to the Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium on April 20th, 2008.

At that time, it was made known that Jose would see it as an immense honor to perform prior to the Holy Father’s Mass on that day. He was graciously given that opportunity and three songs were chosen in accord with the Holy Father’s theme of “Hope” which had been attached to his visit.

“Lean On Me,” by Bill Withers; “Che Sara,” an internationally known hit song for Feliciano and, the Lee Greenwood classic, “God Bless The USA” were performed before a packed Yankee Stadium and broadcast around the world.

Thank you to EWTN and Fox 5 for use of the video clip.

Jose Feliciano in a nutshell? Is this possible? Take a look at this thumbnail sketch of Jose and his life, his love of the guitar and its love for him.

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan assigned a special task force to create the Hispanic Heritage Awards. Later, President Ford signed a proclamation creating Hispanic Heritage Week. In 2006,, the Hispanic Heritage Awards celebrated their 20th Anniversary in grand style at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.

José Feliciano, the 2006 Hispanic Heritage Honoree for Lifetime Achievement, was recognized as one of the very first Hispanic artists to successfully cross over into the English music market, influencing numerous performers who follow in his footsteps. Acclaimed by critics as "the greatest living guitarist," He was joined by his wife, children and close friends as he acknowledged the grand honor.

Following his acceptance speech, his two sons, Jonathan and Michael who comprise the family band, “Two Kids and a Blind Guy,” joined him onstage and performed, ”Oye Como Va.”

In this 1968 promotional video from RCA, we enjoy, among other moments, Jose interacting with his beloved guide dog, Trudy.