Tito Puente, born Ernesto Antonio Puente Jr. on April 20, 1923, in New York City, was a legendary musician and bandleader renowned for his contributions to Latin music, particularly mambo and Latin jazz. Of Puerto Rican descent, Puente's dynamic performances and innovative compositions earned him titles such as "El Rey de los Timbales" (The King of the Timbales) and "The King of Latin Music." Throughout his prolific career, he recorded over 100 albums and was instrumental in popularizing Latin rhythms in mainstream music. His composition "Oye Cómo Va" gained international acclaim, especially after being covered by Santana. Puente's influence extended beyond music; he appeared in films and television, bringing Latin music to broader audiences. He passed away on May 31, 2000, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music.