WHEREAS, Ernest Anthony “Tito” Puente was born in “El Barrio” (East Harlem, NY) on April 20, 1923 and by the age of thirteen was considered a child prodigy having performed with notable professional Latin music bands; and
WHEREAS, Tito Puente earned the title, “The King Of Latin Music,” a well deserved honor for a musical virtuoso that left us with a legacy that was comprised of more than four-hundred published compositions and more than one-hundred and fifteen musical album recordings; and
WHEREAS, Tito Puente excelled as a master musician, composer and arranger that triumphed as the prolific and leading proponent of Cuban rooted music and Latin Jazz, earning him the distinct honor of having been the recipient of five Grammy Awards, the Eubie Blake Award and countless other prestigious national and global tributes; and
WHEREAS, Tito Puente received Presidential Commendations for being in nine battles during the Second World War; and
WHEREAS, Tito Puente was revered for his role as an international ambassador of goodwill traveling the eastern and western hemispheres, spreading messages of benevolence and unity; and
WHEREAS, His philanthropic passion led to the creation of the Tito Puente Scholarship Foundation, another demonstration of his lifelong commitment to create opportunities in the arts for socially and economically disadvantaged children; and
WHEREAS, Tito Puente was a leader of world stature respected for his talent and character by every nation and community that benefited from his presence and his musical performances; and
WHEREAS, On June 1, 2000 Tito Puente’s untimely passing at the age of seventy-seven was deeply felt by all the citizens of Philadelphia and all those who cherished Tito Puente as a world renown artist and humanist; now therefore
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Extends its condolences to the family and friends of Tito Puente while it honors his memory, contributions and his outstanding lifetime achievements.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution shall be presented to Tito Puente’s widow, Mrs. Margie Puente and his daughter, Ms. Audrey Puente, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End