Cheo Feliciano

by Heather PharesRomantic salsa vocalist José Cheo Feliciano began pursuing a career in music at an early age, dropping out of high school at 17 to study the best salsa orchestras in New York. His devoted interest in the citys Latin music scene led to a stint as a valet for one of New Yorks best-known salsa singers, Tito Rodríguez. This connection provided the opportunity to audition as a singer for bandleader Joe Cuba, and Feliciano soon became the vocalist for Cubas sextet. Feliciano recorded 17 albums with them during the 50s and 60s on the Seeco and Tico labels. By 1965 Feliciano was a soloist with many of New Yorks finest salsa groups and Latin music artists, including Eddie Palmieri. After a short retirement, Feliciano returned in 1972 as a part of Fania Records All-Stars ensemble, and also recorded as a solo artist for the label for a decade. Felicianos career experienced another rebirth in 1990, when he was signed to RMM Records. As with his previous projects, his records for the label spotlight his sensual, passionate vocal style.