'Feliz Navidad' turns 50: Latin stars among those who join singer José Feliciano for celebratory new video
To mark the 50th anniversary of José Feliciano's holiday hit, "Feliz Navidad," stars from around the world are joining him for a celebratory new video and new single.
Latin performers Lin-Manuel Miranda, Julio Iglesias Jr., CNCO and Isabella Castillo are among those who appear in "Feliz Navidad 50th Anniversary," which premieres Thursday. Rachael Ray, Gloria Gaynor, and country singers Big & Rich, Sam Moore, and Styx are also among those who make cameos.
In addition to the music video, the first-ever animated video about the song is also available, as is the children's book, “José Feliciano's Feliz Navidad 50th Anniversary."
For Feliciano, marking the occasion is surreal.
"It’s hard to believe I’ve been singing ‘Feliz Navidad’ for 50 years," he told "GMA" in a statement. "I am overwhelmed with the generosity of spirit and passion that all my friends have put into this track and I am grateful that this song continues to unify people around the world."
Felicano first released "Feliz Navidad" in 1970, and over time, it has become one of the most recognizable Christmas songs in the United States.
As of last week, it had risen six spots to number 10 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.