Felipe Rose facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Felipe Rose
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Felipe Rose on stage
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Felipe Ortiz Rose |
| Born | January 12, 1954 Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Disco |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1970–present |
Felipe Ortiz Rose was born on January 12, 1954. He is an American musician. He was one of the first members of the famous disco group, the Village People.
In the group, he played the character known as "The Indian." He often wore a special costume. This costume included a decorated "war bonnet," a loincloth, and face paint. Felipe was part of the Village People from 1977 until 2017. After that, he started his own solo music career. In 2018, he released a song called "Going Back to My Roots."
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Early Life and Interests
Felipe Ortiz Rose was born in Manhattan, New York City. His father was from a Native American background. His mother was Puerto Rican. Felipe grew up in Brooklyn.
From a young age, he loved the arts. He first dressed up as "an Indian" for a school event. This was for the Christopher Columbus parade.
After high school in 1972, he moved to Greenwich Village. He also spent time in Provincetown, Massachusetts. There, he performed his "Indian" character in a show. His mother was a big inspiration for him. She had been a dancer at the Copacabana club.
Joining the Village People
In the early 1970s, Felipe Rose worked as a dancer in nightclubs. His aunt encouraged him to use his family's heritage in his performances. She suggested he dance in a way that honored his father's background. This idea helped create his famous costume and character.
Felipe was dancing and working at a New York club. He was dressed as "an Indian" when he was discovered. French producer Jacques Morali and executive producer Henri Belolo saw him. They asked him to join their new group. Felipe became the very first member of the Village People.
In 1977, the Village People had their first hit song. It was called "San Francisco." This song became popular in the United Kingdom. Then, in 1978, they had big hits in the U.S. These songs included "Macho Man" and "Y.M.C.A.".
Solo Music and Achievements
Even while with the Village People, Felipe worked on his own music. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote and recorded several songs. These included "Trail of Tears" and "Going Back to My Roots."
His song "Trails of Tears" won an award. It received a NAMMY (Native American Music Awards) for Best Historical Recording. In 2002, Felipe Rose performed at the Native American Music Awards. His own media company was called the "Tomahawk Group."
Felipe Rose has also appeared in movies. He was in Can't Stop the Music (1980). He also appeared in documentaries about the Village People.
In 2008, Felipe Rose received a special honor. He got a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A month later, he was added to the Native American Music Hall of Fame.
His 2018 song, "Going Back to My Roots," is very special. It starts with a prayer from the Lakota people. It also features a rap by Native American artist Sten Joddi. He first performed this song at a tribute show. This show celebrated the 40th anniversary of Saturday Night Fever.
By 2014, Felipe had become an ordained minister. This means he can perform weddings for fans. He once married a couple while on a ship in Australia.
Personal Life and Hobbies
After his mother passed away, Felipe Rose moved to Richmond, Virginia. He later moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey. He really liked the shore and the diverse community there. He said it brings everyone together.
Felipe Rose also loves to cook. He enjoys making dishes inspired by his Puerto Rican background. His mother wasn't a big cook. So, Felipe learned to cook when he was young. He even thought about having his own cooking show. As of 2021, he continues to share his cooking on his YouTube channel.
See also
In Spanish: Felipe Rose para niños
- List of Puerto Ricans
