Jose’s musical discovery came unexpectedly when an RCA executive, Jack Sommer, discovered him during his performance in the Village. Instead of auditioning the trio he was there to scout, Jack was captivated by Jose's talent and promptly signed him to RCA instead, setting him on a path to international fame. Jose’s first major break in the industry, however, happened in the Spanish market when, in 1966, after a spectacular performance at the Mar del Plata Festival in Argentina, the RCA executives in Buenos Aires encouraged Jose to stay and record an album of Spanish music. “They really didn’t know what to do with me in the studio,” Jose recalls. “So I suggested that we record a number of old boleros–songs I’d heard from the time I was a kid.” Feliciano’s interpretation of the classic bolero of the time was nothing short of amazing. This marked the beginning of Jose's success in the Spanish market, with his interpretation of classic boleros earning him widespread acclaim. By the time Jose was twenty-three, he had five Grammy nominations and won two Grammy Awards for his album "Feliciano!" His music transcended borders, with recordings in four languages and performances across the globe. He recorded many international hits, including his rendition of the Doors' "Light My Fire" and his self-penned Christmas song "Feliz Navidad" which was a ballad about him missing his family in Puerto Rico.

In the fall of 1997, José released his most important recording in a number of years, “Señor Bolero,” for it marked a return to his musical roots. Having revolutionized the sound of the bolero earlier in his career, José elevated it to another new standard while again indulging himself in this classic, romantic music for which he’d been long associated. The first single from “Señor Bolero,” “Me Has Echado Al Olvido,” shot straight to number one in New York and in countries throughout Central and South America. In less than six weeks after the release of “Señor Bolero,” it had earned platinum status in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. “Señor Bolero” attained DOUBLE PLATINUM status in The United States, Puerto Rico and Venezuela and GOLD in Mexico, Costa Rica and Argentina.

Jose has performed for and with some of the most important and talented people on Earth (including three Popes!). Jose Feliciano's legacy continues to resonate, with over forty-five Gold and Platinum records, nineteen Grammy nominations, and nine Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Latin Recording Academy. His music remains a testament to the power of talent and determination in overcoming life's obstacles to inspire audiences worldwide. On August 3rd, 2024 Jose Feliciano is going to bless the stage with a bolero performance at the 8th Annual Boleros De Noche.

Boleros De Noche is an annual music event series launched in 2015 as an effort to preserve, uplift, and celebrate Latin American bolero music in Los Angeles.