Nogueras was born on 18 June 1951 in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. He loved music from an early age and enjoyed playing the guitar. His father was a simple and humble man that had a great talent for poetry; a talent that helped his son José develop as an artist.

At age eight he lived in Río Piedras and played in various bands until age 17 when he began his professional career; a career that showed his versatility as a composer and singer. He was popular as much for his rock music, as his ballads, Christmas music and salsa.

His compositions have been performed by a wide variety of artists including Cheo Feliciano, Rubén Blades, Héctor Lavoe, Ismael Miranda, Willie Colón, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Tony Vega.

Nogueras has earned many awards and prizes throughout his professional career, including Billboard’s Composer of the Year; the Premios Agüeybaná y Cemí for Singer of the Year and “Christmas production of the Year”. His compositions are noted for their simplicity, profundity and universal appeal.

Nogueras’ music has not only captivated the public in Puerto Rico with its contagious rhythm and style, with songs such as Pueblo Unido but has also been popular throughout much of Latin America and the United States.

Some of his most noted compositions are: “Amada mía”, “Aquél bolero de ayer”, “Esta canción”, “Navidad es amor”, “No me digan que es muy tarde ya”, and “Casa pobre, casa grande”. Many know him best for his Christmas songs like those from his Cuarto Rey Mago album.