Cheo Feliciano

July 3, 1935 – April 17, 2014

Cheo Feliciano sings accompanied by Elias Lopez and his Orchestra.

Salsa and bolero singer Cheo Feliciano became interested in music as a child in Puerto Rico, he studied percussion inspired by groups like the “Trio Los Panchos”

Though his real name was Jose he used his childhood nickname Cheo so that he would not be confused with another popular singer.

In 1952 he moved to New York where he accepted a job as drummer with the orchestra of Tito Rodriguez before becoming vocalist for the “Joe Cuba Sextet.”

He remained with the group for ten years ending in 1967, followed by two years singing with the “Eddie Palmieri Orchestra.”

Winning a long battle with drug addition, Cheo retuned to music with the 1972 release of his first solo album “Cheo”featuring the songs “Anacaona” and “Mi Triste Problema.”

Cheo Feliciano would produce fifteen albums for Fania Records throughout the 1970s including such hits as “Amada Mia.”

After forming his own label during the early ’80s he released a widely acclaimed album of bolero music titled “Los Feelings de Cheo” in 1990.