José Feliciano - Feliz Navidad Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When and where was 'Feliz Navidad' originally recorded?

   The song was recorded in 1970 at RCA Studios on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. According to José Feliciano, the recording took only ten minutes to complete with producer Rick Jarrard.

2. What inspired José Feliciano to write 'Feliz Navidad'?

   Feliciano wrote the song while feeling homesick in Los Angeles, missing his family in New York City during Christmas. He was reminiscing about celebrating Christmas Eve with his brothers, eating traditional Puerto Rican foods, drinking rum, and going caroling.

3. Why did Feliciano write the song in both Spanish and English?

   Feliciano strategically wrote the song in both languages to ensure broader radio play. He knew that if the song was only in Spanish, English stations might not play it. By including English lyrics, he made sure stations couldn't exclude the song from their programming.

4. When did 'Feliz Navidad' first appear on the Billboard charts?

   Despite being released in 1970, the song didn't enter any US Billboard charts until nearly 28 years later. It first appeared on the Adult Contemporary chart in the week ending January 3, 1998, reaching No. 18, and then entered the Radio Songs chart the following week at No. 70.

5. How many words are in the original version of 'Feliz Navidad'?

   According to Feliciano himself, the song contains just 19 words, making it one of the simplest Christmas songs ever written. He intentionally kept it simple, wanting to create a song that would belong to the masses.