Posted on 12/24/2009 3:25:28 PM PST by DogByte6RER
Jose Feliciano protests use of his 'Feliz Navidad' for musical spoof about illegal immigrants
By: SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Associated Press
12/24/09 3:38 PM EST
NEW YORK — Grammy-winner Jose Feliciano has gotten an apology after accusing a pair of radio producers of trashing the spirit of Christmas by using his popular holiday song, "Feliz Navidad," for a racist musical spoof about undocumented immigrants.
Feliciano released a statement Wednesday saying that he was "revolted beyond words" and that the song was never meant to be "a vehicle for a political platform of racism and hate."
"When I wrote and composed 'Feliz Navidad,' I chose to sing in both English and Spanish in order to create a bridge between two wonderful cultures during the time of year in which we hope for goodwill toward all," the Puerto Rico-born singer said.
The parody, titled "The Illegal Alien Christmas Song," was created by radio producers and writers Matt Fox and A.J. Rice and was posted in mid-December on the Web site for Human Events, a Washington-based conservative weekly publication founded in 1944.
Web site editor Jed Babbin apologized Wednesday and said the song would be removed from the site. The link to the song's page was no longer available by Thursday.
"We regret any offense that Mr. Feliciano may have taken from this parody," Babbin said in an e-mail sent to The Associated Press.
One passage from the parody, sung in English, riffed on the stereotype of Latino immigrants as heavy drinkers, while another said "illegals" were going to "spread bubonic plague."
Born in Lares, Puerto Rico, in 1945, Feliciano was raised in New York City and wrote "Feliz Navidad" in 1970. It is one of the most popular Christmas songs in the world.
How come these "artists" never protest Weird Al Yankovic for spoofing their pop music?
Yo Jose: tough you-know-whatties....
I just saw the song being used today on a “Dora The Explorer” Christmas episode.
I’m sure Feliciano receives plenty of royalties around the holidays.
LOL...be sure to leave a comment!
Some have.
I thought he played for the Yankees.
Hey Jose.....vete a la mierda.
I agree with Mr. Feliciano. THe song is not funny and it is disgraceful. Leave Christmas alone. FELIZ NAVIDAD HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHRITMAS SONGS.
What is abhorrent is using a song meant for celebrating the birth of Christ as a vehicle for hate and ignorance.
Weird Al gets an agreement from the artists first.
Not that I don’t agree with your underling premise.
I’m hardly a lawyer, but I thought parody was protected under the first amendment. Still, they likely got rid of it because of the risk of bad press.
If he meant what he said; he would say that about others who have done the same thing.
I always thought it was "Police nab me Dad".
Go figure.
Feliciano? Is that Spanish for a cross between fleas and guano? Okay, okay...
Songs are morphed for lampoon purposes all the time. I’m not sure what the legality of it is, but I don’t hear many artists getting cranky over it.
I thought it was funny. I guess the truth hurts. However, if the guy is gonna use José’s music, José should see some pesos.
I agree with what you said.
Is jose an illegal immigrant or just an enabler? Wadda a tool.
Surprised he saw something wrong with it.
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