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            Tito Puente

   New York's immigrant history runs deep. One might say, 'deeper than Afro-Cuban bass line.' The overwhelming majority of NY's history has ventured through the doors of Ellis Island at one time or another. A large portion would be the Boricua community...the community that gave birth to Nuyoricans or New York born Puerto Ricans. One Nuyorican in particular had a far reaching effect on Latin music. That Nuyorican, Tito Puente.

Born Ernest Anthony "Tito" Puente, Jr. on April 20, 1923 this Nuyorican's road to fame began as he and his sister join a dance troupe called, 'Stars of the Future.'  After excelling in the dance field, Tito took piano lessons from Victoria Hernandez (sister of Puerto Rican composer Rafeal Hernandez) and Luis Verona of the Machito Orchestra. Eventually, "El Rey del Timbal," became more than proficient playing piano, timbales, claves, congas, trap drums, vibraphone, saxophone and even the clarinet.

Around December of 1939, the "King of Mambo" began working with Jose Curbelo, being mentored and learning the music business from Curbelo. Next, Tito played with Johnny Rodriguez, Anselmo Sacassas (whom inspired Tito to take up piano), as well as Noro Morales. By June 1942, Mr. Puente had joined the great Machito Orchestra. Soon afterwards, he was drafted into the Navy. Tito continued playing drums and sax in a band on ship, while learning composition and arrangement from a sax player, who happeend to be a pilot on the ship.

With his discharge and a presidential commendation in 1945, Tito landed back in NY playing with Curbello, Pupi Compo, and Brazillian band leader Fernando Alverez, which featured Charlie Palmieri. Puente then studied at Julliard School of Music, learning music theory, conduction and orchestration. Piccadilly Boys, Puente's first time starting a band, was formed in 1949.

Tito's 'household name' status came in during the 50's when the Piccadilly Boys was one of the 3 top bands, along with Machito Orchestra and Tito Rodriguez' band.  Puente became better known for Jazz, which he 'latinized,' although he continue playing Latin-Jazz and pure Latin music with many different artists and bands.

Carlos Satana brought Tito Puente's music back to the forefront, with Santana's rendition of 'Oye Como Va' in 1970 and 'Para Los Rumberos' in 1972.

Tito Puente recieved many awards for his music including Grammies and National Medal of the Arts.  He was honored as a 'Living Legend' by the Library of Congress and his album, 'Dancemania' was recognized by the New York Times as one of the 25 most influential albums in the 20th century.

After a life of 120 album recordings, more than 450 published compostions, over 2000 arrangements and more than 10,000 live performances, Ernest Anthony "Tito" Puente, Jr. died May 31, 2000.