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by
Stephan S. Nigohosian
© photos by Martin Cohen / Latin Percussion
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Tito
Puente in November 1997 pictured with the National Endowment
of the Arts Award. |
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Tito Puente's passing on June 1, 2000, brought the Latin big band era to an
end. And, though most people knew Tito Puente from his stage persona -- as
a consummate showman, Timbale Legend, and cultural icon -- not everyone had
the opportunity to see the more "down-to-earth"
side of him: a warm, friendly man with a sharp sense
of humor and a big smile. Fortunately, many of the
employees at LP got to know him on a personal basis
as a result of his decades-long association with
LP and unwavering loyalty to the company.
Tito's lack of pretention became evident whenever he visited LP. He would
always drive himself alone, and didn't need any chauffeurs or limousines, much
less an entourage. "What you see is what you get"
was true when it came to dealing with Tito. Further, he wouldn't leave until
every autograph was signed for the group of LP employees who would line up
every time to meet this gentleman of a man. He even
went so far as to do a private concert gratis with his band for LP employees
only, since he wanted to make sure that everyone who worked at LP had the opportunity
to see him perform with LP instruments at least once in their lives.
Tito Puente was also a very good sport when it came to "livening up" the
many photo shoots with LP's Founder and Chairman, Martin Cohen, behind the
camera. He was never "above" getting a laugh, even if it meant dressing up
in rented character costumes. Two such instances occurred when he dressed up
as "The King"
(complete with a jeweled crown, cape, and scepter), as well as "Tito the Artiste" (to
simulate his decorating a new set of custom-painted timbales which LP had made
especially for him).
Martin Cohen best summed it up nearly two years ago when asked what Tito's
role was asAmbassador of LP. Martin replied, matter of factly," Tito
Puente IS LP."
Tito Puente will be sorely missed, but his music, generosity, and legend
will live on for eternity...
Donations can be sent to the Tito Puente Scholarship Foundation, 425 Riverside
Drive, Suite 15E, New York, NY 10025 or to the Tito Puente Memorial Fund
for Latino Outreach, Hackley School, 292 Benedict Ave., Tarrytown, NY 10591
Attn: Kathy Dalyi.
His royal highness, Tito Puente,
decked-out as"The King"
(complete with a
jeweled crown,
cape and scepter.)
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 Art
imitates life: Tito Puente shows his
creative side as "Tito the Artiste".
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