| Tito Puente early on Thursday, June 1 at the age of 77 during heart surgery at at New York University Hospital. |
| Born in 1923 in New York City, Puente grew up strongly influenced by his Puerto Rican heritage. A natural ear for music, he focussed his attention on percussion after dabbling in piano and vocals. He became best known and loved as a bandleader, orchestrating energetic Latin salsa beats, leading to five Grammy awards and six nominations -- not to mention a proflific recording career of over a hundred releases. |
| Stay tuned to this space for continuing coverage. |
Related Links:
Salsa Sultan Tito Puente Dies at 77
Bandleader Tito Puente Dies
Associated Press - June 1.
