Puente, Tito, << PWEHN tay, TEE toh >> (1923-2000), ranks among the most important figures in the history of Latin popular music. Puente was influential as a bandleader, composer, arranger, and musician. He played the style of Latin dance music known as salsa and also played jazz. But he was best known as the “King of Mambo” for his influence in popularizing that form of Latin music.
Puente recorded over 100 albums. His Dance Mania (1958) became one of the most popular Latin albums in music history. He performed on many percussion instruments as well as on the piano, saxophone, and clarinet.
Puente was born in the Spanish section of Harlem in New York City on April 20, 1923. His full name was Ernest Antony Puente, Jr. Both of his parents were born in Puerto Rico. In 1940, he joined the famous Latin orchestra, Machito and His Afro-Cubans. Puente formed his own orchestra in 1948.
During the 1950’s, Puente recorded with many leading jazz musicians. Although he influenced jazz with his infusion of Latin rhythm, he was primarily interested in keeping his own music danceable. Puente died on May 31, 2000.
See also Salsa .
