Reservoir Media has struck a deal to acquire rights to the recorded music catalog of Feliz Navidad songwriter and performer José Feliciano.
The deal, announced on Wednesday (October 21), also includes non-exclusive rights to Feliciano’s name, image, and likeness.
Reservoir did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
The Nasdaq-listed company’s announcement also did not specify which of Feliciano’s recordings are included.
Feliciano’s best-known recordings, including Light My Fire and Feliz Navidad, were originally released by RCA Victor.
Feliciano was represented in the deal by broker Denny Marte of MPA Advisors, Jay Stollman of Jay Stollman Entertainment, and attorney Brett Green.
“I’m excited to be in partnership with the talented Reservoir Team, ensuring the enjoyment of my music for generations to come,” said Feliciano.
“José Feliciano’s incredible gift extends far beyond the accomplished hit Feliz Navidad,” said Donna Caseine, Reservoir’s Executive Vice President, Global Creative Director. “His catalog is extensive, with countless bilingual recordings that helped popularize Latin music with a global audience.
“José’s legacy is a credit to the high-quality, popular music he has written and shared with the world for over half a century, and it’s an honor to champion José and his body of work at Reservoir.”
Donna Caseine, Reservoir Media
“José’s legacy is a credit to the high-quality, popular music he has written and shared with the world for over half a century, and it’s an honor to champion José and his body of work at Reservoir.”
“His countless accolades showcase just how much impact his catalog has had on Latin and popular music, and we look forward to continuing to support such influential music.”
Golnar Khosrowshahi, Reservoir Media
“This year, our Reservoir team has focused concertedly on expanding our portfolio of Latin music, and bringing José’s music to Reservoir is an important continuation of those efforts,” said Golnar Khosrowshahi, Reservoir’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “His countless accolades showcase just how much impact his catalog has had on Latin and popular music, and we look forward to continuing to support such influential music.”
Born in Lares, Puerto Rico, Feliciano was raised in New York City’s Spanish Harlem.
Feliciano was born blind and learned to play guitar as a child.
As a teenager, he performed in Greenwich Village.
By 1964, he had signed with RCA Victor.
His 1968 recording of The Doors’ Light My Fire peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
He performed the US national anthem at the 1968 World Series.
At the 1969 Grammy Awards, Feliciano won Best New Artist, as well as Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Performance, Male, for Light My Fire.
In 1970, he wrote and recorded Feliz Navidad.
The original recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010.
In May, the Library of Congress selected it as one of 25 additions to the National Recording Registry.
The Library said the 2026 selections were chosen for their “cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.”
According to Reservoir, the recording returns to the charts every holiday season.
It reached its peak of No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the chart dated January 2, 2021.
Feliciano wrote and performed the theme to the TV series Chico and the Man.
His honors include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dedicated in 1987.
He was among the recipients of the 2021 National Medal of Arts, awarded at a White House ceremony in March 2023.
The citation for that award credits Feliciano with 60 albums and 600 songs over 60 years.
The Feliciano deal comes two days after Reservoir announced the acquisition of jazz composer Billy Strayhorn’s publishing catalog.
Under that deal, Reservoir will also participate in Strayhorn’s name, image, and likeness rights, in partnership with his estate.
Reservoir has made several Latin music deals in 2026.
In June, the company struck a joint venture with Latin music company TU Publishing.
Under that agreement, Reservoir serves as the publisher for all current and future writers signed to TU.
In July, Reservoir acquired the catalog of independent label Nacional Records, along with the catalog of its publishing arm, Canciones Nacionales.
Reservoir and Nacional also formed a joint venture to sign and develop recording artists and songwriters.
The company previously acquired the catalog of Rudy Perez in 2023 and struck a deal with Miami Sound Machine co-founder Enrique “Kiki” Garcia.
On Reservoir’s earnings call in August, Khosrowshahi cited IFPI data showing that recorded music revenues in Latin America grew 17.1% in 2025.
In calendar Q2 2026, Reservoir generated USD $41.5 million in revenue, up 12% YoY.
Revenues at its recorded music division rose 35% YoY to USD $14.1 million in the quarter.
In March, Reservoir disclosed two unsolicited take-private proposals from existing shareholders.
Activist investor Irenic Capital Management proposed USD $10.00 to $11.00 per share, while Wesbild and Richmond Hill Investments made a rival bid of USD $10.50 per share.
Wesbild, which holds approximately 44% of Reservoir’s equity, is controlled by Khosrowshahi’s father.
A Special Committee of independent directors on Reservoir‘s board was formed to evaluate the proposals.
On the company’s August earnings call, Khosrowshahi said Reservoir had “no additional updates to share today” on the matter.Music Business Worldwide
