Blogamole › Jose Feliciano

By Michael Lopez

They say that timing is everything and, in the case of Jencarlos Canela's new duet, that seems to clearly be the case. Capitalizing on the Christmas spirit of  "Feliz Navidad", Jencarlos has recruited music legend José Feliciano for a new single and music video.

Titled "Aleluya," the track features plenty of acoustic flourishes and a heartfelt message about celebrating life. The video is quite moving, showcasing Jencarlos and José strumming their guitars on a quiet stage.

And the single has an extra special meaning for Canela. He's letting the International Rescue Committee (IRC) use it as an anthem for their work being done in Haiti. Jencarlos has even become the official spokesman for the organization, lending his face and voice to the cause.

But we get the feeling "Aleluya" may have an even deeper meaning than that. Canela is about to become a first-time father, which is a miracle to rejoice about all unto itself.

Are you a fan of Jencarlos Canela's music? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Aleluya, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Haiti, Holidays, International Rescue Committee, Jencarlos Canela, Jose Feliciano, Música

By Michael Lopez

Long before there was Shakira, Aventura, and Prince Royce, popular Latin musicians were few and far between. Back in the day it was extremely rare to see a Spanish album score on the American Billboard charts, though a few artists were able to successfully break through. And now, a handful of those musical trailblazers are getting recognized with the Latin Grammys’ Lifetime Achievement Award.

Joe Arroyo, Gal Costa, Jose Feliciano, Alex Lora, Les Luthiers, Ruben Rada and Linda Ronstadt are the names the Latin Grammys decided to honor this year and we couldn't be happier with their decision. Each of these artists has left an indelible mark on the music world and influenced generations of young singers.

Sadly Colombian singer Joe Arroyo passed away today, but his musical stamp will not be forgotten. His group Fruko y sus Tesos released several landmark singles. Brazilian songstress Gal Costa has sold millions of records on her own, changing the face of tropical music. Les Luthiers is one of the only bands being honored, and deservedly so. Their innovative fusion of comedy, rock, and Latin rhythms represent pure sonic perfection.

Alex Lora is considered a Mexican rock pioneer. His guitar work is legendary and has earned him multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations. And anyone who's a fan of percussion is well aware of Ruben Rada. His groundbreaking Afro-Uruguayan style has been admired by everyone from Paul McCartney to Maná.

Jose Feliciano has been embraced by U.S. audiences since the 1960's. His classic renditions of "Light My Fire" and "Feliz Navidad" are radio standards and have gone platinum around the world. Linda Ronstadt has similarly been embraced by a massive audience. She's won Grammys, Emmys, and even a Tony Award for her work. Her 1987 Spanish-language LP, Canciones de mi Padre, was a certified smash and opened up mariachi music to millions of American ears.

Now that you've had your history lesson, we highly recommend picking up a few of these artists' classic albums. And you can see them all get honored this coming November at a special ceremony from the Las Vegas Four Seasons.

Which classic Latin musicians do you most admire? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alex Lora, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Gal Costa, Joe Arroyo, Jose Feliciano, Latin Grammys, Les Luthiers, Lifetime Achievement Awards, Linda Ronstadt, Música, Ruben Rada

By Michael Lopez

Legendary musician José Feliciano isn't holding anything back this holiday season. The 65-year-old Puerto Rican guitarist railed on reggaeton music and even labeled Daddy Yankee, Tito El Bambino and Don Omar as “copiones,” or copy cats.

"I think they are some innovative young men, but I don't believe they play any instruments, and if they play one, they have never said that they play one," Feliciano said in an interview with the Spanish-language network TeleFutura.

Feliciano specifically criticized El Bambino, who released a “Feliz Navidad” track of his own back in 2009.

"Tito El Bambino is not very original and he copied the title of my song, 'Feliz Navidad,'" he said.

We respect José Feliciano as much as anyone, but c'mon, El Bambino’s version sounds nothing like Feliciano's classic holiday jam. Besides, when did “Merry Christmas” become a copyrighted phrase?

We hope Tito, Yankee and Omar don’t take the criticism too hard. Perhaps they'll be just as cranky in another 30 years.

Source: [Generaccion]

Do you think José was too critical of the reggaetoneros? Sound off below or @MTV3.

Tags Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano, Música, Puerto Rico, Tito El Bambino

De parte de toda la familia de MTV Tr3s, we wish everyone a safe and merry holiday!

We wish you lots of iPods and Nintendo Dsi's and brand spankin' new smart phones, and some new música and movies and Lady Gaga headphones!  And when you've heard enough villancicos, eaten enough pasteles, and are swimming in todos tus regalitos, make sure to tune in to MTV Tr3s to catch the Top 50 Rolas of 2009!  This Saturday, December 26th, turn to MTV Tr3s starting at 12pm EST and watch todos tus videos favoritos del año as you recover from las fiestas navideñas!

You know you'll be seeing some Wisin y Yandel, Aventura, Shakira, Pitbull and Beyoncé... but in the meantime, here's something to continue in the holiday spirit!

Image via Google Images

Tags Aventura, Beyonce, Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano, Lady Gaga, Pitbull, Shakira, Top 50 Rolas of 2009, villancicos, Wisin y Yandel

Latinos continue to make us proud as they repesent our culture en la casa blanca!  President Obama and the First Lady are hosting a concert series called, "Performance at the White House: Fiesta Latina."  Ay, que rico! The program celebrates Hispanic heritage and includes performances by salsero Marc Anthony, Jimmy Smits, Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, George Lopez, Thalia, Tito "El Bambino", our favorite bachateros Aventura, and the Chicano rock band Los Lobos. 

Henry Santos Jeter from Aventura tweeted a clip from their live rehearsal earlier. Looks like it's going to be an amazing show!

Latinos in the White House...WEPA!!! Go Obama, Go Obama! Dale 'pa 'bajo!

Photos via Getty Images

Tags Aventura, concert at white house, George Lopez, Gloria Estefan, henry santos, Jimmy Smits, Jose Feliciano, Latina, Los Lobos, Marc Anthony, Tito El Bambino, white house

Esta fiesta no se acaba! We just got word that even more super estrellas have been added to the roster of performers at the White House.

President Obama has not only invited the kings of bachata, Aventura, and our royal boricua couple Marc Anthony & Jennifer Lopez, he's also turning the party out a la Mexicana, with pop sensation Thalía! Que emoción!

Other invited Latinos include George Lopez, Jimmy Smits, José Feliciano, y Los Lobos, entre algunos. Remember to stay tuned to MTV Tr3s to get all the exclusive MTV News coverage of this Hispanic Heritage Month event! [Quien]

Photo via Getty Images

Tags Aventura, George Lopez, Hispanic Heritage Month, Jennifer Lopez, Jose Feliciano, Los Lobos, Marc Anthony, Thalía