ASCAP GOLDEN NOTE AWARD

JOSÉ FELICIANO
While it is impossible to categorize the musical contributions of Jose Feliciano, many will agree he is arguably the greatest living guitarist in the world. So far in his musical career, which has spanned nearly his entire life, Feliciano has received over forty gold and platinum records, has won six Grammys, and has earned countless prestigious awards and fans the world over.

Feliciano, who has been blind since birth, was born in Lares, Puerto Rico and moved with his family to New York City when he was five years old. He taught himself to play the accordion and later the guitar with undaunted determination. By the age of seventeen, he was helping to support his family by playing coffee houses in Greenwich Village. It was not long before he was performing all over the world and recording songs in four languages, including the milestones "Light My Fire," which was #1 on the charts in 1968; "Que Sera," a huge success in Europe, Asia, and South America; and of course "Feliz Navidad," the Christmas song that has now become a tradition worldwide during the holiday season. He even topped the charts with his recorded stylized version of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Tonight TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 1998 in MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA ASCAP proudly presents the Golden Note Award to José Feliciano, a beloved songwriter, guitarist and vocalist whose outstanding musicianship and consummate artistry have immeasurably enriched both Latin and pop music.