His name was Ernest Anthony Puente Jr., known as TITO, an American musician, songwriter, bandleader, and record producer.
The Latino of Puerto Rican descent is best known for dance-oriented mambo and Latin jazz compositions from his 50-year career.
Born: April 20, 1923, NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, New York, NY
Died: June 1, 2000, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
TITO unified African-Latin roots with Jazz in a way that is musically universal. Those who hear his work falls in love with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTN39CIvR7A
If you're Latino a musician or a jazz aficionado remember this amazing talent, who inspired many others. We miss you, Tito.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k27F1FccuK4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cr_CgHJNcrM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoIqXz2AIFs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZQh4IL7unM
Tito was best known for his blending of Latin and jazz sounds, for placing percussion in the spotlight, and for celebrating the music with dancing and joy during his performances.