Tito Puente

Tito Puente, born Ernesto Antonio Puente Jr. on April 20, 1923, in New York City toPuerto Rican parents, was a legendary Latin musician, percussionist, composer,and bandleader. Known globally as “El Reydel Timbal” and “The King of LatinJazz,” Puente became one of the most influential figures in Latin musicduring the 20th century.

He began his musical career in the 1940s, following hisservice in the U.S. Navy during World War II. A classically trained musician,he studied at the Juilliard School and went on to form his own orchestra,blending Afro-Cuban rhythms, mambo, salsa, and Latin jazz in a way thatrevolutionized the genre.

Tito Puente recorded more than 100 albums over a 50-yearcareer, creating timeless hits like “OyeComo Va,” “Ran Kan Kan,” “El Cayuco,” and “Para los Rumberos.” His vibrant energy, technical mastery ofpercussion (especially timbales and vibraphone), and charisma on stage made himan international star.

He won seven Grammy Awards, including the first-ever Grammyfor Best Latin Recording in 1979, and received a Grammy Lifetime AchievementAward in 2003, awarded posthumously. He also earned countless honors for hiscontribution to music, culture, and the arts, including a star on the HollywoodWalk of Fame.

Puente’s influence reached beyond music — he played a criticalrole in popularizing Latin sounds in mainstream American culture. Hecollaborated with legends like Celia Cruz, La Lupe, and Santana, whose cover of“Oye Como Va” helped introduce Tito’smusic to rock audiences worldwide.

Tito Puente passed away in 2000, but his legacy lives on. Withover five decades of innovation and excellence, he remains a symbol of PuertoRican pride and the global power of Latin music.

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