Tito Puente, "El Rey de los Timbales" was born April 20, 1923 in the Spanish Harlem section of New York City. The son of Puerto Rican parents, he was drafted into the US Navy in 1942. After WWII, he attended the Juilliard School of Music on the GI Bill.
At the height of his popularity in the 1950's, he helped bring Afro-Cuban rhythms such as cha-cha-cha, son and mambo into mainstream audiences. He recorded over 100 albums and was featured in numerous films and documentaries. He won five Grammys, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a James Smithson Bicentennial Medal, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a National Medal of the Arts, just to name a few.
His most widely known song is a cha-cha-cha called "Oye Como Va" which was later covered by Carlos Santana.
Tito Puente left the earth on June 1, 2000, but left behind a legacy of fantastic music that brings a smile to your face and a dance to your feet.
In 1994, I had the incredible honor of meeting Mr. Puente at a show at the Blue Note jazz club in New York City that also featured other Latin jazz royalty including Arturo Sandoval and Mongo Santamaria. After the show, we went backstage and meekly said hi and told him how much we enjoyed the show. He was very gracious, kind and grateful for our praise and patronage. My autographed copy of his 100th album is on of my most treasured possessions.