JOSE FELICIANO TO PERFORM AT AAPD LEADERSHIP GALA
February 20, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
Contact: Mariana V. Nork
301-509-2057
Tamara Mlynarczyk
703-619-6661

March 4th Gala Awards Individuals who Advance the Rights of People with Disabilities.

Washington, DC - The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is pleased to announce that six-time Grammy Award winner Jose Feliciano will be the featured entertainment at the organization's second annual AAPD Leadership Gala being held March 4, 2003, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Washington Hilton and Towers, in Washington, DC.

Many industry professionals as well as prestigious musicians and artists around the world consider Jose Feliciano to be the first Latin Artist to cross over into the English music market. Accordingly, he has opened the door to mainstream other Latin Artists now occupying a favorable status in the American music industry. Additionally, Feliciano has been acclaimed by critics throughout the world as "the greatest living guitarist." Feliciano has been awarded over 45 Gold and Platinum records; has won 16 Grammy nominations and earned six Grammy Awards. In 1996, Feliciano received Billboard Magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Feliciano was born blind, to humble beginnings, on September 10, 1945, in Lares, Puerto Rico. One of 11 boys, his love affair with music began at the age of three when he first accompanied his uncle musically on a tin cracker can. When he was five, his family immigrated to New York City and young Feliciano learned to play the concertina at age six, using a handful of records as his teacher. At eight, he performed for his classmates at PS 57, and at nine, performed at The Puerto Rican Theater. He then taught himself to play the guitar with undaunted determination and with nothing but records as his teacher for as many as 14 hours a day. Exposed to the rock-n-roll of the 50's, Jose was then inspired to sing.

By the time he was 23, he had earned five Grammy nominations and won two Grammy Awards for his album "Feliciano!", had performed over much of the world, and had recorded songs in four languages. Feliciano has recorded over 65 albums in his impressive career. Still humble with all the successes he has had, Feliciano feels that his career is just beginning and that he has just started to share his talents with the world.

"Jose Feliciano is a phenomenal recording artist, leader and bridge builder. AAPD is extremely honored to have him associated with our efforts," commented AAPD President and CEO Andrew J. Imparato. "His determination, his work ethic and his exhibited compassion for others are examples we all should follow. His participation in our Leadership Gala will elevate the event and underscore the importance of cultivating and recognizing leaders in the disability community."

Feliciano's gifts of time, treasure and talent have earned him, over the years, the reputation of great humanitarian and 'Ambassador of Good Will', throughout the world. "I'll never forget where I came from, nor the people who helped my family or me along the way." For this reason, he will often lend a hand or his name in support of causes that he believes are important.

Feliciano will perform briefly at the second annual AAPD Leadership Gala. Being honored at the Gala are Former Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh and Ginny Thornburgh, longtime advocates for the rights of people with disabilities, who will receive the prestigious Henry B. Betts Award, as well as five emerging leaders with disabilities, each of whom will receive a 2002 Paul G. Hearne/AAPD Leadership Award of $10,000.

Members of the media are invited to attend this important event that recognizes the vital work being done to advance the rights of people with disabilities. Business attire is appropriate. Please contact Tamara Mlynarczyk at 703-619-6661 with any questions regarding attending the second Annual Leadership Gala.

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