“Feliz NaviDAD,” which stars Mario Lopez as a single dad, premiered Nov. 21; Hart wore her director’s hat for that one. “Dear Christmas,” in which she stars, airs Friday, Nov. The fun begins as your guests are greeted by a fiesta banner wishing everyone Feliz Navidad. If you're having a band or a DJ, make sure they are ready with an assortment of Latin songs. Alternate the music with traditional holiday tunes and everyone will be be ready to celebrate the season.
Jose Feliciano, who will play the Borgata Music Box December 17, has had a long and varied career and is widely considered the first Latin artist to make the crossover to the English music market. He’s also one of the greatest pop guitarists of all time, being called “the Picasso of his realm.”
He’s been awarded more than 45 Gold and Platinum records and has won 19 Grammy nominations, earning nine Grammy Awards, including the “LARAS Award for Lifetime Achievement.
And yet, when December rolls around, Jose Feliciano becomes synonymous with one simple phrase “Feliz Navidad.” His 1970 bilingual Christmas tune has become as much a part of the holidays as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” or “Silent Night.”
But think about it. How many beloved Christmas classics are there that you can name the songwriter? Who wrote “O Holy Night” for example? Who knows? (Well, Wikipedia, it was Adolphe Adam in 1847).
That’s largely because while there have been many artists who have covered “Feliz Navidad,” Feliciano’s version is still the definitive version we all want to hear. Feliciano simply taught the world how to say Merry Christmas in Spanish.
Feliz Navidad Poker Game
“Every year, it becomes bigger and bigger,” Feliciano said in 2014 interview with Billboard magazine. “Usually songs fade away after a while. But this song, every December, there it is. I never would have thought that I would have created a monster with this song.”
“‘Feliz Navidad’ happens to be one of those songs that is not exclusively for Latinos — it’s in both English and Spanish and I think that’s an advantage,” he said.
Now, of course, Feliciano, 71, is known for hits like “Light My Fire” and “Che Sara” as well as his Spanish language songs and his virtuoso mix of styles, from Flamenco to easy listening. The Puerto Rico-born Felicano has been a bridge between cultures for nearly 50 years.
Feliz Navidad Por Luis Miguel
But for a December show at the Borgata Music Box, well the time is right to check out Feliciano sing his most enduring legacy. On December 17 join him and wish the world “Feliz Navidad.
Feliz Navidad Imagenes
Tickets for Jose Feliciano at the Borgata Music Box December 17 at 8pm are $39 and $35 and available here.