Tito Puente

USA, 1947–2000

American bandleader and timbales player, billed as the King of Mambo. He combined Afro-Cuban rhythm with jazz arranging and was a central figure in Latin music in New York.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Tito Puente and 1 artist Tito Puente influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Tito Puente?

• Machito — Puente's apprenticeship was in Machito's Afro-Cubans — the band where the young timbalero learned the fusion he would lead for fifty years.

Which artists did Tito Puente influence?

• Santana — Tito Puente gave Santana the Latin rhythms that became the heartbeat distinguishing his group from any other rock band.