Tito Puente Jr. shares tales of music, his father and his father’s military service at Veterans Day event
Honoring Latino veterans
Tito Puente Jr. is proud to share his father’s musical and military legacy with the next generation.
Students from Charles A. Prosser Career Academy and nearby elementary schools gathered in the high school’s auditorium for a Friday morning assembly to kick off Veterans Day weekend with the musician.
A son’s tribute
There, Puente accepted the first-ever Heroes & Heritage award on behalf of his late father for the elder Puente’s service in the Navy during WWII and his commitment to inspiring young musicians. The elder Puente was discharged with a Presidential Unit Citation for serving in nine battles.
A legend in his own right
Puente’s father, Tito Puente, is considered one of the greatest musicians and bandleaders of all time. He worked on more than 100 albums, and his music has appeared in several films. He took his music across the globe, making Latin jazz and mambo mainstream. At the assembly on Friday, the younger Puente played one of his dad’s most famous songs, the 1962 classic “Oye Cómo Va,” which was later covered by Carlos Santana.
A journey into music
Initially, Puente wasn’t interested in following in his father’s footsteps. Growing up in New York City in the ‘70s and ‘80s, he fell in love with rock and roll and house music. He named Def Leppard, Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin and Phil Collins as some of his earliest influences, and they propelled him toward the drums.
The path to success
He had to learn his rudiments and learn how to read and write music. His dad, though not a patient man, encouraged him to take drum lessons from the late great Sam Ulano. Puente released his first album, “Guarachando,” in 1996, and a year later won a Billboard Music Award for best music video. In 2004, four years after his dad’s passing, he released an album called “En Los Pasos De Mi Padre” (“In My Father’s Footsteps”).
A message for students
“Anything that inspires you, do it with Hispanic pride. You are part of this nation,” he continued. He also announced that a documentary film honoring his father was in the works.
Fulfilling his father’s legacy
He hopes to inspire students like Denise to learn about his father’s music and the importance of preserving Latino heritage. “My name means ‘bridge’ in Spanish. That’s what I’m doing right now, bridging the generations together,” he said.
Conclusion
Puente Jr.’s performance was met with enthusiasm from the students, who were captivated by his stories of his father’s music and military service. His mission to preserve his father’s legacy and share it with a new generation is inspiring and timely, especially in today’s multicultural society.
FAQs
Q: What is Heroes & Heritage?
A: Heroes & Heritage is an event hosted by the Ald. Gilbert Villegas’ office, American Legion Staff Sgt. Jason Vazquez Post #939, and Charles A. Prosser Career Academy to honor Latino veterans and first responders.
Q: What was the purpose of the event?
A: The purpose of the event was to pay tribute to Tito Puente Sr. for his service in the Navy during WWII and his dedication to inspiring young musicians.
Q: What kind of music did Tito Puente Jr. perform at the event?
A: Tito Puente Jr. performed one of his father’s most famous songs, the 1962 classic “Oye Cómo Va.”
