Tito Puente

Tito Puente was an American percussionist, bandleader, timbalero, and composer from New York City. A central figure in Latin music for over five decades, he popularized mambo, cha-cha-chá, and salsa in the United States and worldwide. Puente recorded over 100 albums, earned five Grammy Awards, and collaborated with Celia Cruz, Santana, and countless Latin artists. His signature timbale style and big-band arrangements helped define the New York Latin scene.