Tito Puente facts for kids

Tito Puente
Tito Puente
	Puente in 1998
Background information
Birth name	Ernesto Antonio Puente
Born	April 20, 1923; New York City, New York, U.S.
Died	May 31, 2000 (aged 77); New York City, New York, U.S.
Genres	Latin jazz; Afro-Cuban jazz; mambo;
Occupation(s)	Musician; songwriter; record producer;
Instruments	Timbales; vibraphone;
Years active	1946–2000
Labels	Tico; Fania; Sony Discos; RMM; Concord Picante;
Associated acts	La Lupe; Celia Cruz; Santos Colón; The Blackout All-Stars;

Ernesto Antonio "Tito" Puente (April 20, 1923 – May 31, 2000) was an American musician, songwriter and record producer. He was known as "The Musical Pope", "El Rey de los Timbales" (The King of the Timbales) and "The King of Latin Music".

He is best known for his Latin jazz works. He and his music appear in many movies such as The Mambo Kings and Fernando Trueba's Calle 54. He guest-starred on several television shows, including Sesame Street and The Simpsons. His most famous song is "Oye Como Va".

Images for kids

Puente's timbales in the Tito Puente exhibit in the Artist Gallery of the Musical Instrument Museum of Phoenix
National Medal of Arts