You’ve probably heard "Feliz Navidad" more times than you can count, but have you ever stopped to wonder about the man behind the guitar? Jose Feliciano is 80 years old. Born on September 10, 1945, he has spent over six decades defying expectations, breaking barriers, and basically rewriting the rules of what a Latin artist could achieve in the global market.
Honestly, it’s wild to think about. He was born in Lares, Puerto Rico, into a family of eleven brothers. Life wasn't easy. He was born blind due to congenital glaucoma, but that never seemed to slow him down. By the time he was five, his family moved to Spanish Harlem in New York City. That’s where the magic really started to happen.
How Old Is Jose Feliciano and Why Is He Still Touring?
Even at 80 years old, Jose Feliciano hasn't exactly retired to a rocking chair. He still has that incredible tenor voice and fingers that move across the acoustic guitar like they’ve got a mind of their own. People often ask about his age because he’s been a household name for so long that he feels timeless.
He didn't just "show up" on the scene; he fought for his spot.
- Age 3: He was already banging out rhythms on a cracker tin.
- Age 9: His father gave him his first guitar.
- Age 17: He quit high school to play in Greenwich Village coffee houses to help feed his family.
Imagine being a teenager, blind, navigating the gritty 1960s New York City folk scene with nothing but a guitar and a hat to collect tips. That's the kind of grit we’re talking about. He wasn't just a "Latin singer"—he was a musician’s musician, blending soul, jazz, and rock in a way that nobody else was doing at the time.
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The Moment That Changed Everything
In 1968, when Jose was just 23, he released his cover of The Doors' "Light My Fire." It was a massive risk. Some people hated that he changed the "sacred" rock song into a soulful, acoustic masterpiece. But the world loved it. He won two Grammys that year, including Best New Artist.
But then came the controversy.
During the 1968 World Series, he performed the National Anthem. He did it his way—soulful, slow, and non-traditional. People went nuts. Radio stations stopped playing his music. He was basically "canceled" before that was even a word. It took years for the public to realize he wasn't being disrespectful; he was just being an artist.
The Secret to His Longevity
How does someone stay relevant for eighty years? For Jose, it’s about evolution. He never stayed in one lane. He’s recorded in English and Spanish, worked with everyone from John Lennon to Dolly Parton, and even popped up in the movie Fargo.
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His discography is massive. We’re talking over 60 albums.
He isn't just the "Christmas song guy." He’s a pioneer of the bolero revival. He’s a jazz enthusiast. He’s a guy who once wrote a song called "No Dogs Allowed" because the UK wouldn't let his guide dog, Trudy, into the country. He’s always been raw and real.
Awards and Honors at 80
- Nine Grammy Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Award).
- A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- The National Medal of Arts (awarded in 2021).
- A school named after him in East Harlem (P.S. 155).
What’s He Doing Now?
As of 2026, Feliciano lives in Fairfield County, Connecticut. He’s a father of three and still spends hours practicing his craft. He once said he’d play the guitar for 14 hours a day as a kid. That level of obsession doesn't just go away because you hit a certain birthday.
If you’re looking to catch him live, he still makes appearances at major festivals and special events. His 2022 album Love & Christmas proved he still has plenty of stories left to tell.
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What you should do next:
If you only know him for the holiday hits, do yourself a favor. Go to Spotify or YouTube and look up his 1968 performance of "California Dreamin'" or his version of "Ponte A Cantar." Listen to the way he uses the guitar as a percussion instrument. It’ll give you a whole new appreciation for why this 80-year-old legend is still considered one of the greatest guitarists to ever live.
Check his official website, josefeliciano.com, for any upcoming 2026 tour dates or appearances, as he occasionally announces intimate shows or benefit concerts that aren't always on the major ticket platforms immediately.