From left to right: Ronald Puente (timbales), Jose Madera
(rear singer),
Frankie Morales (front singer) and George Delgado (congas)
Even before his death, Tito Puente was known
as the “King of Latin Music”, and
for good reason. His influence was universal.
It stretched to all nooks and crannies of the
world and permeated American and Latin cultures.
It dug deep into the Bronx, specifically Lehman
College, one of the venues where Tito and his
band used to perform. That setting was, therefore,
appropriate for the reuniting of the Tito Puente
Orchestra, performing in a tribute to its namesake.
The event was driven by Bob Sancho, a director
at Bronx Hospital, and featured the full Tito
Puente Orchestra, including Tito's son Ron on
vibes and timbales.
They performed before a wildly appreciative audience
that included Margie and Audrey Puente. To get
things really in the spirit the Eddie Torres
Dance Troupe appeared, as did a jazz ensemble
composed of top musicians, including Dave Valentin,
Andy Gonzales, Claudio Roditi, Nicky Marrero,
Paquito D'Rivera, and LP artist Giovanni
Hidalgo.
In the crowd was LP's Artist Relations Manager
Steve Nigohosian and LP founder Martin
Cohen, an acclaimed photographer who shot
the event for his website www.congahead.com.
In addition, LP contributed all of the percussion
gear for the concert, the second such event honoring
a true icon of the Latin and popular music communities.
LP is proud to have participated in a tribute
to one of our artists and dear friends, the “King
of Latin Music,” whose smile and gregarious
demeanor we miss as each day passes.
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