Tito Puente Essay

Abstract

Tito Puente was born on April 20 of 1923, in New York City to parents of Puerto Rican descendant. Tito Puente also known as the "King of Latin Jazz," was well-known for his Latin music because of his use of various styles and how he implemented different sounds on to it. In 1948, Tito Puente wanted to find a way to be more noticed and that’s when he orchestrated the band “Tito Puente Orchestra.” Tito Puente, a musical pioneer, mixed different music styles with Latin sounds to create a unique sound. He also mixed Jazz with Latin tunes in order to bring a different vibe to the music industry. Many fail to see the inspiration and legacy he has left behind for many Latin artists. He became a Latin icon by bringing hope and providing

a better future for those that resided in Latin communities.

Early Life
Tito Puente grew up in Manhattan. As a child growing up, he was described as hyperactive and neighbors would always complain of a child banging pots and making music with kitchen utensils. His mother then proceeded to invest in piano lessons but he later shifted his learning and began to playing the drums. Puente became fascinated with dancing and was inspired to set a career around dancing. His dream came to an end when an accident which was a torn ankle tendon put an end on his dancing career. He then decided to dedicate his time in music.
Career
Being the youngest, Tito Puente wanted to leave a memorable legacy with his family.

He kept music as a hobby and in 1942 he got drafted into the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. He was discharged with a Presidential Unit Citation for serving in nine battles on the escort carrier USS Santee .He was given the opportunity to study music at Juilliard School. Smithson Bicentennial Medal from the Smithsonian. All in which he made his family proud. In the 1950s, Puente’s music career was making progress and was becoming well known. A trained musician, he was also a fine, lyrical vibraphonist, a gifted arranger, and played piano, congas, bongos, and saxophone. His band was asked to perform in local areas in New York, then began making great hits all over the states. Puente then came to received the title “King of Mambo” for his role in popularizing the fast-paced, rhythmic form of Cuban

music.
Puente, who during his career gave hundreds of performances until his passing of May 2000. Despite him not being here, his son continues to live on his father’s legacy. He does this by mixing Latin music and jazz just like his father did .It has become a family tradition that his son still keeps alive and well.
Tito Puente died on May 31, 2000, at the age of 77, in a New York City hospital where he was awaiting heart surgery. Fans waited in line for days to say goodbye and their farewell.
Accomplishments
Puente continued to fulfill that promise throughout his career.

In 1969, he received the key to the City of New York from former Mayor John Lindsay. In 1992, he was inducted into the National Congressional Record. Also, 1993 Puente received numerous awards for his work, including five Grammy Award. The first in which he won on 1979 for the album Homenaje a Beny. Puente went on to garner two more Grammys in the 1980s, for his traditional Latin jazz albums “On Broadway” and “Mambo Diablo”. He then won the fourth Grammy in 1990 for “Goza Mi Timbal”. In 1999, Puente was awarded an honorary degree at Columbia University. The following year, he received a fifth Latin Grammy Award for “Mambo

Birdland.”
Ever Lasting Impact
In addition to music, Puente remained dedicated to causes affecting the Latin community throughout his lifetime. In 1979, he created a scholarship to fund Latin percussionists at the Juilliard School. Tito Puente stated "The scholarship was a dream of mine for a long time" and went on to explain "In the Latin community, we have a lot of gifted youngsters who don't get an opportunity to develop their talent because of a lack of money. Long after, I'm gone, the fund will be helping kids."