Since 1992, December 3 of every year is observed as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.. Promoted by the United Nations, the observance seeks to promote, among other things, the integration of PWDs in all aspects of social, cultural, and economic life.
In the field of music, not a few PWDs have established a successful, if not an impressive career. Stevie Wonder has to be the best example. There are many others, like Jose Feliciano who, ilke Stevie, is visually impaired.
Blind from the time of his birth due to congenital glaucoma, Jose is best known for the Christmas song “Feliz Naviddad”. Primarily a guitar man, the man also came up with several classic love songs. These included “Once There was a Love'”, “It Doesn’t Matter Anyhow”, “Love Comes From The Most Unexpected Places”, and many others.
For his amazing contributions to the world of music, Jose was awarded the Grammy Legend Award in the year 2000 during the 42nd Grammy Awards ceremony. Many other international recognitions were bestowed on this man who used to play the guitar for 14 hours daily in his hometown of Puerto Rico.
A musical career that spans over six incredible decades, Jose is undeniably one of the legends of the industry. He continues to create beautiful music until this day. Proof of this is a jazz album with English singer Jools Holland. Released late last year in the UK, the album was a success, placing 24th in the UK music charts.
Want to hear Jose Feliciano’s soulful voice and one of his songs, “It Doesn’t Matter Anyhow”? Please click here:
AKA Music 