Cheo Feliciano R.I.P.

It was sad to hear about the passing of one of the greatest singers in Latin music to come from Puerto Rico, Jose “Cheo” Feliciano.  Cheo epitomized the great Salsa soneros and boleristas of his generation.  A voice whose tone was so distinctive that it was easily recognizable from the crowd of great vocalists.  Cheo had an illustrious solo career as well as many great associations with such groups and musicians as the Joe Cuba Sextet, the Alegre All Stars, Cesta All Stars, the Fania All Stars (he was in their lineup of singers for more than 40 years), RMM’s Combinacion Perfecta,  Eddie Palmieri and most recently Ruben Blades (who cited Cheo as a major influence).   On stage, Cheo was a charismatic showman who connected with the audience whether he was passionately improvising on an explosive Salsa song or whether he was melting hearts as he effortlessly crooned a beautiful bolero.  His presence was felt by legions of old and new fans since his career spanned over five decades.  He was an artist who was still very active up until the time of his death as he was part of this year’s grammy nominated Sergio George “Salsa Giants” project and was still was performing with The Fania All Stars on their recent reunion concerts.  As sad as it is to lose an icon as Cheo Feliciano, we are still fortunate to have the recordings of his signature songs such as “Anacaona’, “A Las Seis”, “El Raton”, “Canta”, “Sali Porque Sali” and countless others to remind us of his greatness.  Adios, Cheo…Sentimiento Tu y gracias por su musica!!