Cheo Feliciano Dies; Puerto Rican Salsa Singer Was 78
Cheo Feliciano, a legendary Salsa and Bolero singer from Puerto Rico, died early this morning as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident.
He was 78 years old.
According to local police, the artist lost control of his Jaguar around 4:15 a.m. careening around a curve and slamming into an electrical post.
He was not wearing a seat belt at the time.
"Father will live forever because he has given his music, his heart to his people," Feliciano's son, José Enrique, told El Nuevo Día. "Thank God we have his music to remember him by."
Feliciano was born in the Puerto Rican city of Ponce, but rose to fame in New York.
His first major break arrived in 1955, when he sang with the Tito Rodríguez orchestra at The Palladium in New York City.
He would proceed to record a number of popular singlets in 1970s, including "Anacaona," "Mi triste problema," "Pa' que afinquen" and "Si por mi llueve.
He struggled with drugs later in his career, however, and announced a cancer diagnosis last year.
Feliciano is survived by behind his wife, Coco Feliciano, and four sons.
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