Jimi Hendrix is not the only legendary performer who courted controversy with a unique rendition of America’s national anthem. Born in Lares, Puerto Rico, on this day in 1945, rising young pop singer Jose Feliciano was invited to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 5 of the 1968 World Series featuring the Cardinals vs. the Tigers in Detroit. According to NPR, “Feliciano’s gentle, Latin jazz-infused version puzzled some people. And it outraged others.” Bonus: Hearing the tune prompted a 14-year-old Detroit girl, Susan Omillian, to start a Jose Feliciano fan club; years later, they were married. He is perhaps best known for his impassioned cover of “Light My Fire” by the Doors and the Christmas classic “Feliz Navidad.”
