Felipe Rose: A Trailblazer in Music and Advocacy
Asbury Park, NJ – Few entertainers can claim a vibrant career spanning over four decades, but Felipe Rose stands as a shining example of enduring talent and commitment in the entertainment industry.
From his early days performing ballet on the prestigious stage of Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall in NYC, Felipe's passion for the arts was evident. In 1977, his life took a transformative turn when he co-founded the legendary disco group The Village People with French producer Jacques Morali and lead singer-songwriter Victor Willis.
It was Felipe's captivating Native American persona and the enchanting sound of sleigh bells around his ankles that caught the attention of Morali and Henri Belolo in January 1977. Inspired by his vivid image, they envisioned a group embodying iconic American male archetypes: the Native American, Cowboy, Construction Worker, Military Man, Biker (Leatherman), and Police Officer. This concept became the foundation of The Village People, a group that would leave an indelible mark on music history.
Felipe's rich heritage is a tapestry woven from his Native American father—a welder who relocated to NYC during the Indian Relocation Act of the 1950s—and his Puerto Rican-Italian mother, a professional dancer at the famed Copacabana Nightclub. Their unlikely romance birthed Felipe, who was adopted by his Native father and nurtured by his mother's artistic passion.
Immersed in a world of rhythm and movement from an early age, Felipe honed his craft in his teens and early twenties with the renowned Ballet de Puerto Rico under the mentorship of Pasqual Guzman. Growing up in the challenging neighborhood of Brownsville, Brooklyn, he developed a steadfast commitment to social justice. This dedication is as integral to his identity as his music, driving him to advocate tirelessly for those in need.
Whether dedicating time and resources to the American Indian College Fund, supporting Garden State Equality in Asbury Park, or speaking out for equality on larger platforms, Felipe refuses to stand idle while others struggle. His activism extends beyond borders, embodying his belief that "it's the power of music that brings people together and heals the world."
The Village People skyrocketed to global fame, selling over 150 million records worldwide with timeless hits like "San Francisco/Hollywood," "Macho Man," "Y.M.C.A.," "In The Navy," "Go West," "Hot Cop," "Key West," and "Can't Stop The Music." Their anthem "Y.M.C.A." was immortalized in the U.S. Library of Congress National Recording Registry in March 2020 and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2021.
As an actor, Felipe graced the silver screen in the French comedy "Tu Me Tien Por La Barbichette" and the 1980 cult classic "Can't Stop The Music," produced by Allan Carr. His charisma lit up television screens on shows like "The Love Boat," "Married with Children," "Family Feud," "Down Periscope," "Dick Clark’s American Bandstand," "Dick Clark’s Rockin' New Year's Eve," "The Tim Conway Show," "Midnight Special," "Good Morning America," "Soul Train," and countless international programs. His global influence is marked by 39 world tours across Europe, South America, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
In 2008, The Village People received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A month later, Felipe was inducted into the Native American Music Hall of Fame for his solo contributions to Native music, solidifying his legacy with five Native American Music Awards (Nammys).
A true Renaissance man, Felipe is a singer-songwriter, actor, entertainer, culinary enthusiast, visual artist, painter, and ordained minister. Embracing his identity as an openly gay man and a two-spirited shadow walker, he remains deeply involved in Native affairs nationwide while continually pushing creative boundaries.
After four decades with The Village People, Felipe chose to leave the group in 2017 following a lengthy legal battle over its name and brand. Undeterred by the challenges, he embarked on a solo journey, noting, "Taking this experience, I took a deep breath and went solo!"
In 2018, he released a stirring cover of "Going Back To My Roots" alongside three other Nammy-winning artists, earning his fifth Native American Music Award. His commitment to advocacy remained unwavering. In 2019, Felipe celebrated the 50th anniversary of World Pride in NYC as a guest of God's Love We Deliver, an organization providing nutritious, medically tailored meals to those too sick to shop or cook.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he dedicated his energy to virtual fundraisers for nonprofits and used his platform to encourage public health measures, recording social media messages about the importance of wearing masks.
June 2021 marked the release of "Dance Again," a hopeful anthem resonating with fans worldwide. Ever evolving, Felipe launched "The Disco Chronicles" podcast, where he dives into the vibrant history of the disco era. He interviews iconic radio DJs, producers, artists, and club influencers, capturing the essence of nights spent dancing away in legendary clubs like Studio 54 in NYC and Studio One in Los Angeles, preserving memories of joy, abandonment, and liberation.
In 2022, Felipe collaborated with Brazilian singer Roberto Trevisan and gospel artist Tracy Shay on "Peace for Ukraine," a powerful musical plea highlighting the devastating impact of war. Believing in the unifying power of music, they sought to bring global attention to the conflict and its ripple effects across Europe.
Continuing his creative journey, Felipe released his fifth single, "That's What You Are," in 2023. He's actively rehearsing and crafting his one-man show, ready to share his story in a raw and intimate setting.
Under the new management of Michael Debarge, Felipe has re-emerged on social media, addressing controversies and misinformation surrounding the presidential inauguration and the emergence of The Village People 2.0. While media speculation swirled about his involvement, Felipe remains focused on the future. As a disco historian, he's filling his calendar with speaking engagements, sharing his wealth of knowledge with new generations eager to embrace the legacy of disco.
Felipe Rose isn’t just a disco icon; he's a relentless innovator and advocate, continuously exploring new avenues for his art and passions. He mentors emerging artists, ensuring that the rhythm of disco and the messages of equality and love continue to inspire. His life embodies a fusion of cultural heritage, artistic expression, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
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