Cheo Feliciano

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Cheo Feliciano (3 July 1935 – April 14, 2014) was a Puerto Rican singer and composer of salsa and bolero music.

Feliciano was the owner of his own recording business, "Coche Records."

He was the first tropical singer to appear at the "Amira de la Rosa Theater" in Barranquilla, Colombia, and in 1987, he played Roberto Clemente's father.

Early years

José Luis Feliciano Vega, born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he was raised and educated. Prudencio Feliciano and Crescencia Vega were his parents. He was branded "Cheo" by his family as a child, a colloquial form of his name José, which is usually used by close friends and relatives. However, the name remained and became part of his everyday name (using the word helped avoid confusion with José Feliciano, another well-known Puerto Rican singer to whom he is not related). He was inspired by the Trio Los Panchos' bolero music at a young age. He formed his first group with his friends and dubbed it "El Combo Las Latas" when he was only eight years old. They were so poor that their musical instruments were made out of cans. Feliciano attended Escuela Libre de Msica Juan Morel Campos in Ponce, where he studied percussion.

Personal life

Feliciano was a student at the University of New York when she was 15 years old. Socorro "Cocó" Prieto León was born in New York. They married on October 5, 1958, and had four children together. Feliciano dedicated Motivos, his 1993 album, to his wife.

Feliciano revealed in June 2013 that he was suffering from liver cancer and was already doing chemotherapy. When they were treating him for a dislocated shoulder, doctors discovered the condition. Feliciano's birthday was celebrated "cancer-free" early in 2014.

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Musical career and singing debut

Feliciano and his family migrated to New York City in 1952 and settled in Spanish Harlem. Here's how he auditioned as a percussionist in the "Ciro Rimac's Review" band, giving him his first professional musical career. Tito Rodro, the bandleader, heard Feliciano perform and offered him a position in his orchestra. He accepted, but after playing with Tito for a time, he left the group to play Luis Cruz in the conga. Despite leaving Tito, he remained on friendly terms with him. Feliciano has performed percussion for the Kako yu Trabuco orchestra as well. He was also a roadie for Mon Rivera.

Rodrez found out that Joe Cuba was in dire need of a singer for his sextet in 1955. Knowing that Feliciano was also a natural performer, he suggested that Cuba audition for the position. Feliciano auditioned and became a narrator for the Joe Cuba Sextet. He was the rare baritone among salsa singers, and his deep voice and quick wit as an improviser made him a favorite among Latinos.

Feliciano made his professional debut with the Joe Cuba Sextet on October 5, 1957, performing the song "Perfidia." He was with the sextet for ten years. He joined the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra in 1967 and spent two years with them. However, he started using opioids at 21 years old, at the same time. He reverted to heroin, which in turn put his life and career in jeopardy. He opted to avoid drugs "cold turkey" and joined Hogares CREA in Puerto Rico. Feliciano thanks Tite Curet Alonso, the writer of most of his hits and his best friend, for his help with his recovery. He was a vehement anti-drug advocate, who offered to assist fellow salsa artists who were addicted to heroin use.

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Awards and recognitions

• 1975 - The Golden Cup - Venezuela
• 1976 - "Most Popular Artist" by Latin New York magazine
• 1977 - Daily News Front Page Award for "Best Latin Vocalist"
• 1985 - Owl of Gold (Panama); The Silver Chin Award (Miami, Florida)' Golden Agueybana Award (Puerto Rico)
• 1983 & 1984 - Honorable Son of Ponce
• 1999 - A tribute in his honor from the Puerto Rican Senate
• 2008 - June 20 declared Cheo Feliciano Day in New York City
• 2008 - Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
• In Ponce, he is recognized at the Park for the Illustrious Ponce Citizens.