Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad” Enters Top 10 on Billboard Hot 100 for First Time in 50 Years

Posted on December 17, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Jose Feliciano is making chart history with his holiday classic…

The 75-year-old Puerto Rican musician, singer and composer’s “Feliz Navidad” moves up from No. 16 to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart, dated December 19, hitting the top 10 for the first time, 50 years after its original 1970 release. It previously reached No. 12 last holiday season.

The holiday classic sports gains of 6% to 23 million in radio airplay audience, 15% to 18.5 million U.S. streams and 34% to 3,000 sold, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.

Feliciano adds his second Hot 100 top 10, after his debut entry, his cover of The Doors‘ “Light My Fire,” hit No. 3 in August 1968. (The Doors‘ original ruled for three weeks in the summer of 1967.) He has charted 11 total Hot 100 entries, as well as 16 titles, including eight top 10s, on the Hot Latin Songs chart.

The legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist is celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Feliz Navidad” this year. He performed on NBC‘s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and CBS Sunday Morning last week and, among other festivities, has a livestream scheduled for December 20.

Last month, Amazon Music Lat!n revealed a special 50th anniversary reimagining of Feliciano’s iconic holiday classic, featuring 30 artists including CNCO, Jon Secada, Frankie J, Jencarlos Canela, Pablo Montero, Julio Iglesias, Jr., Jason Mraz, Gloria Gaynor, Patricia Manterola and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

José Feliciano Celebrates 50th Anniversary of “Feliz Navidad” with “The Tonight Show” Performance

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

José Feliciano’s classic Christmas song is celebrating a major musical milestone…

The 75-year-old Puerto Rican musician, singer and composer’s “Feliz Navidad” turns 50 this year, with no signs of age.

The classic Christmas song is one of the top 10-performing hits in the decade-plus history of Billboard‘s Holiday 100 chart, and one of the most popular Latin songs of all time.

Recorded in 1970, “Feliz Navidad” is a marvel in many ways.

“It just came to me; there’s no rhyme or reason,” he recently told Billboard. “The first lyric came to me, then I put the English lyric into it, not realizing I had made it the only bilingual Christmas song ever in the world. I created a monster.”

Feliciano stopped by The Tonight Show earlier this week to perform his timeless hit.

Gloria Estefan Becomes First Cuban-American to Receive Kennedy Center Honors

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

It’s an extra special honor for Gloria Estefan…

The 60-year-old Cuban singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman, who became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1974, was among the honorees at Sunday night’s 40th edition of the Kennedy Center Honors, becoming the first Cuban American to receive the special recognition.

Estefan, a seven-time Grammy winner, was lauded by longtime friend Eva Longoria and received musical love from Jon Secada, the cast of On Your Feet! (the Broadway musical based on the life and music of the honoree and her husband/collaborator Emilio), and Becky G and Chaka Khan, whose rendition of “Coming out of the Dark” was a show highlight.

Estefan received the award from her role model and friend, Rita Moreno.

“This, ladies and gentlemen, is the stuff of the American dream, and Gloria and I are living every, single minute of it,” said in a video shared by Estefan.

During her touching acceptance speech, Estefan said, “Every one of the honorees in this room, in their own beautiful way and by putting their lives as examples, and as beautiful ways of expressing through music, through art, through the film, through dance, showed who we are in this country. And we are that amazing tapestry of so many colors and vibrant backgrounds, and that’s what makes this country great because when you weave those things together, it’s just such a strong force. And we need to keep that alive.”

Marking only the fourth time in four decades the sitting president hasn’t attended the event, Donald Trump in August opted to sit this one out amid several suggested boycotts.

Estefan called Trump’s decision to stay away “very thoughtful… I’m thankful he chose not to come because all he does is overshadow the accomplishments of people who have spent a lifetime trying to do something. It’s kind of a bummer when that moment is overshadowed by politics and controversy, so I’m very thankful he allowed us the freedom to just revel in this accomplishment.”

She said she wished “certain things could be improved” about Trump’s governance, citing in particular his current policies regarding Cuba, from where she and her family emigrated when she was young. “I wish he wouldn’t have pulled back the travel restrictions on Cuba because I think person-to-person travel is incredibly important, although I don’t particularly like the Castros.”

The celebration honoring Estefan, LL Cool J, Lionel Richie, Norman Lear and dancer/choreographer Carmen de Lavallade was a lively, hitch-free night that will air as a special December 26 on CBS.

Estefan Nominated for 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan has the write stuff…

The 59-year-old Cuban singer and former Miami Sound Machine vocalist has been nominated for the 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The Songwriters Hall announced the list of nominees Thursday, a day ahead of its official announcement. Other nominees that could be inducted next year are Jay Z, George Michael, Madonna, Bryan Adams, Vince Gill, Babyface, Max Martin, Kool & the Gang and more.

Estefan, a seven-time Grammy winner, found breakthrough success with her group’s 1985 single “Conga,” which made her a worldwide name.

She’s written several of the Spanish and English songs she’s performed, including “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Anything for You,” “1-2-3” and “Oye Mi Canto.”

Estefan has also written/co-written hits for other artists, including Shakira’s “Whenever, Wherever,” Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud” and Jon Secada’s “Angel.”

Eligible members can vote for three non-performing songwriters and two performing songwriters until December 16. Five songwriters, or songwriting groups, will be officially inducted at a gala in New York on June 15, 2017.

Other performing nominees include Cat Stevens, Sly Stone, Chicago, Jeff Lynne and David Gates.

Non-performing nominees are Kenny Nolan, Randy Goodrum, Tony Macaulay, William “Mickey” Stevenson, Allee Willis, Maury Yeston, Paul Overstreet and the songwriting duos Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham, and Steve Barri and the late P.F. Sloan, who died last year.

Songwriters are eligible for induction after writing hit songs for at least 20 years.

Estefan’s Musical Based on Her Life to Premiere in Chicago Next Summer

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan is ready to get theater audiences on their feet…

The 56-year-old Cuban Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and her music producer husband Emilio hope to have the musical based on their life on Broadway next year.

Producers said Tuesday “On Your Feet!” will premiere in Chicago next summer before landing at a Nederlander theater in the fall of 2015.

Jerry Mitchell, who directed Kinky Boots, will helm the show, with Sergio Trujillo choreographing. The story will be written by Alexander Dinelaris.

The Estefans were both born in Cuba and together became musical luminaries in Spanish and English, winning Grammy Awards and fans across the U.S. with crossover hits like “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga” and “Words Get in the Way,” in addition to helping the careers of other artists including Shakira, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Jon Secada.

Estefan fought back from a serious spine injury in 1990 to become Latin music’s premier female artist, with more than 100 million career album sales.

She’s also in charge of a string of enterprises, and has a minor stake in the Miami Dolphins NFL team.

Gloria & Emilio Estefan Developing Broadway Show About Their Lives…

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

The Miami Sound Machine could be conga’ing all the way to New York City…

Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio Estefan are looking to develop a Broadway stage musical inspired by their lives, and they’ve partnered with theater operator Nederlander Organization to make it happen, the couple announced Tuesday.

The 55-year-old “Queen of Latin Pop,” her 59-year-old music producer husband and Nederlander officials should be revealing the creative team behind the new production in the near future.

“We are very excited to share this story, which is based on hope, determination and the belief that with hard work and passion, our dreams can become our reality,” the Estefans said in a press statement. “Our music has been a true reflection of who we are, where we came from and the journey that has brought us to where we are today.”

The Nederlander Organization, the nation’s largest operator of theatres and other music venues, will partner with Bernie Yuman, producer of Siegfried & Roy‘s Las Vegas production, to bring the new project to life.

“I am thrilled to collaborate with Gloria and Emilio to see their amazing story come to fruition on the Broadway stage,” said organization president Jimmy Nederlander. “The Estefans’ journey of success, led by raw talent and passion, is captivating as it drove them from relative obscurity to global sensations.”

The husband-and-wife team, both born in Cuba, struck it big with crossover hits like “Conga,” “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” and “Cuts Both Ways.”

Estefan is one of the top 100 best selling music artists of all time, having sold an estimated 90 million records worldwide. She’s a three-time Grammy winner and four-time Latin Grammy winner, and is considered the most successful crossover artist in Latin music.

Meanwhile, Estefan’s husband was named Producer of the Year at the 2000 Latin Grammys for his work on Charlie Zaa’s Ciego de Amor, Carlos Vives’ El Amor de Mi Tierra and the song “Da la Vuelta” by Marc Anthony.

Their breakthrough success in the English-language marker helped pave the way for several Latin artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, John Secada and Shakira.

Garcia to Perform at Jets vs. 49ers Game for Hispanic Heritage Month

Posted on September 29, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Lilian Garcia will be on the grid(iron) this weekend to help commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month in the New York metropolitan area…

The 46-year-old Spanish-American singer and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announcer has been chosen to be the halftime performer when the New York Jets host the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium this Sunday, September 30th.

“This is a wonderful honor,” said Garcia in a statement. “I love the NFL and I’m ready to give the crowd a great, high energy show at halftime as I perform songs from my new EP, My Time. This will be the eighth time I’ve sung the national anthem at a Jets Game and I love it. I am particularly honored that I’ve been asked to perform as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. It will be privilege to represent the millions of Hispanics who are proud to call America their home.”

While the first WWE Diva is currently serving as the ring announcer for the WWE’s Smackdown, Garcia has kept busy as a musical artist.

In 2007, she released her debut album, Quiero Vivir and recorded a duet in both English and Spanish with Grammy-winning singer Jon Secada. She’s since performed at various sporting events.

On “Hispanic Heritage Day,” the Jets will celebrate with a variety of culture activities for New York’s Latino population, which, according to their official site, is “the second-largest in the country.”

Meanwhile, Shirley Rodriguez Remeneski, president of 100 Hispanic Women, an organization that provides educational opportunities for Latinas, was selected as the recipient of this year’s NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award.

Garcia will return to MetLife Stadium in April 2013 as part of Wrestlemania. Her new EP is currently available on iTunes.

Estefan Signs Development Deal with 20th Century Fox Television

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He’s one of the successful Latin music producers of all time… And now Emilio Estefan is setting his sights on television.

The 59-year-old Cuban-born musician and music producer has signed a development deal with 20th Century Fox Television. As part of the agreement, Estefan will bring to life his first drama series for network television.

Estefan is already meeting with writers for the project, a Latino-themed series which he’ll executive produce. The pitch is expected to be presented to the networks this fall.

“Reaching out to all audiences, including the Latino audience, is a critical priority for this studio as we look for that next big international hit,” said 20th TV chairmen Dana Walden and Gary Newman. “Emilio has a vision for a dramatic series that combines great storytelling with an authenticity in terms of Latino culture that we think every network will want on their schedule.”

During his career, Estefan launched the Miami Sound Machine and has played a vital in developing the careers of his wife Gloria Estefan, Marc Antony, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Ricky Martin and Jon Secada, among others.

After helping so many Latino musicians crossi over into the mainstream, Estefan is ready to do the same with a Latino-themed series.

“I think this is the perfect time to do it,” he said, noting that Hispanics are the largest and fastest growing minority in the U.S.

Years ago, he shopped a script for Beauty Parlor, a series he said was in the vein of Modern Family, which is produced by 20th TV. Back then, he was told the American TV audiences were not ready for a Latino family. But Estefan, the winner of 19 Grammy Awards, believes the times have changed.

Secada Lends His Voice to Hepatitis C Awareness Campaign

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Jon Secada is lending his voice to a campaign aimed at raising awareness of chronic hepatitis C, especially after seeing firsthand how the virus can take such a devastating toll.

The 49-year-old Cuban Grammy-winning singer/songwriter—who revealed that his father died last November from complications associated with hepatitis C—has joined the American Liver Foundation’s “Tune in to Hep C” campaign, along with fellow singers Gregg Allman of The Allman Brothers and Natalie Cole.

“It’s a very quiet illness, that you don’t notice what it’s doing to your liver,” said the two-time Grammy winner in an interview with Efe.

“I didn’t know what this disease was until I saw my father sick,” Secada said.

Secada’s father, Jose Secada, was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C. He died last year at the age of 83 of complications from the virus, after failing to seek proper medical treatment for many years and keeping the disease a secret, even from family members.

Secada hopes speaking out about his family’s experience can help break the taboo attached to the disease and encourage greater understanding about its risks, he told Reuters in an interview, especially among Hispanics.

“My father chose not to tell anyone about his disease for a long time, and he chose not to take action against it for reasons I may never understand,” he said. “By the time he was able to explore any aggressive medications it was too late.”

Secada, who has sold more than 20 million albums worlwide, wants to make certain that people are fully aware of the dangers of chronic hepatitis C and that “there are many treatment options.”

“There are 3 million people affected by hepatitis C in the United States, 30 percent of whom are Hispanic-Americans,” Secada said. “We have to be aware of our health and ask for help” when it’s needed, he said. “If you don’t take care of your health, in the end you can’t help your family.”

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Gloria Estefan…

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

Cuban singing sensation Gloria Estefan is commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month in a big way with the help of Sirius XM Radio…

Now through Saturday, October 15, the “Queen of Latin Pop” will host a series of performances, interviews and specials with some of today’s hottest Latin estrellas like Pitull, Jon Secada and Juanes on Sirius XM’s Caliente, channel 150.

The month’s special programming will include an entire weekend devoted to the 54-year-old bilingual singer/songwriter and her numerous musical contributions. The content will include an exclusive interview with the seven-time Grammy-winning artist, as well as a preview of her new album, “Miss Little Havana.” She’ll even talk about her all-time favorite collaborations, share her thoughts on today’s biggest Latin artists and the artists who contribute to the thriving Latin arts community. The exclusive interview and album preview is slated to air on Friday, September 23 at 4:00 pm ET.

Meanwhile, Estefan’s most recent Las Vegas concert will be broadcast in its entirety on Sunday, September 25 at 4:00 pm ET.

But that’s not all…

Caliente listeners will also have the opportunity to hear special, intimate concert performances by Latin Grammy winners and nominees including Pitbull, Jon Secada, Tito Nieves, and Juanes every Thursday at 4:00 pm ET during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Caliente spins the best in salsa, pop, merengue, bachata and reggaeton music. Listeners can hear the exceptional music by artists like Marc Anthony, Juan Luis Guerra, Aventura, Shakira, Daddy Yankee, Paulina Rubio, Victor Manuelle, Luis Miguel, Wisin y Yandel and Camila.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

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