José Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad” has become a timeless festive pop song with its simple Spanish chorus: “Feliz Navidad, prospero ano y felicidad” (meaning Merry Christmas, have a prosperous year and happiness) and the equally simple English verse “I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart”.

The 75-year-old Puerto Rican blind singer-songwriter said that the idea of “Feliz Navidad” came about as a means to try and unite the people.

“My thoughts when I wrote the song was that it didn’t matter what language you were singing in; the feeling of Christmas is privy to all of us,” the nine-time Grammy winner said.

The tune has become one of the most played and recorded Christmas songs around the world.

Feliciano’s Christmas classic turned 50 last month — and he is celebrating it with a remake that features 30 acts, including pop balladeer Michael Bolton, all of whom teamed up remotely for the reimagined track.

Did you know?

The catchy song has just 20 words, six in Spanish and 14 in English.

FMT wishes readers Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Watch Feliciano perform the song: