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It was with great sadness that Latin Percussion announced the passing of The
King of Latin Music and dear friend, Tito Puente. Tito defined life and art
with his willingness to share his brilliant music and wonderful sense of humor
with all people. Fortunately, many of us at LP got to know him on a personal
basis as a result of his decades-long association with LP. In this tribute
the staff at LP would like to share our stories and thoughts on this great
musician and cultural icon.
"Tito's lack of pretention became evident whenever he visited LP. He would
always drive himself alone, and he 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. Furthermore, he wouldn't leave
until every autograph was signed for the group of LP employees that would line
up every time in order 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. 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."
by
Stephan S. Nigohosian, Artist Relations Department
"Tito was always so appreciative when you would do anything for him. Due to
this, I considered it a honor to be able to do special things for him. Most
recently, a set of Gold plated Timbales to commemorate his years in the music
business. Anytime he was either in the office or you saw him in an outside
setting, he was always quick to acknowledge you. Serious business conversations,
quickly took a humorous direction. The banter between Tito & Martin Cohen,
LP's founder, was always the highlight of a day in the office. I was always
struck by the respect Tito received from our younger artists, many of whom
are world class players in their own right."
by Ray Enhoffer, Research and Development
"I can remember this icon sitting in my office, and joking around with me,
and making me laugh so hard on stories about his life, and then he would turn
around and ask me to make believe I was his secretary, and make some calls
for him. Now, I'm trying to be professional in making these calls and Tito
is sitting there making faces at me. I will never forget that day. His status,
in the music world, would never come across when he was here at LP. You where
just a friend!"
by Linda Montanile, Administration Department
"I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Tito Puente. Few
have the chance to meet a genuine musical legend. My encounters with Tito,
during my time as LP Artist Relations Manager and beyond, were a real joy.
I remember seeing him perform on numerous occasions where he always made me
feel welcome, and our other visits away from the performance arena were simply
a pleasure. The musical master with so many accomplishments to his credit was
a warm and genuine person. Tito Puente was one of a kind. The King of Latin
music made it possible for many, who otherwise would not have been aware of
Latin music, to enjoy the magic, which was his life. Although it is hard to
believe Tito is no longer with us, his wonderful sense of humor and brilliant
musical accomplishments will long be remembered by those of us that knew him
and everyone who ever heard or saw him."
by Ray Tregellas, Education Department
"I feel honored that I had the privilege of seeing him perform for us last
September. His music reached into your soul and took you for a thrilling ride.
There was no way you could listen to his orchestra and not feel the heat! Tito
was a charming, magnetic individual. In a way, he reminded me of a big, happy
teddy bear and you just wanted to hug him! Although I did not really know him
personally, I feel very sad with him leaving this world. Lucky for us, he leaves
behind an enduring legacy of recordings that we can enjoy and remember him
by."
by Glynis Drakeford, Administration Department
"I first met Tito Puente when I worked for Latin Percussion in the 1980's.
Tito would stop in to the office to meet with Martin and would always make
it a point to say hi to everyone in all departments. One day when he stopped
in, to let us know he was performing at the Village Gate in NYC that night
and he would put anyone from LP on the guest list who wanted to go. I let him
know that I would be going. It was a Monday night and the place was packed!!!
Besides timbales, Tito is also an accomplished vibraphone player and consumate
showman. I left at about 12:30am and the dance floor was still jammed. It was
a great show!! Getting his autograph last September at the special show he
did for LP was a treat and I proudly keep the picture on display at my work
station for all to see."
by Carl Arena, Sales Department
"The Latin community of the whole world cries today over the loss of our King
of the Timbales, Tito Puente. He left, for us, many unforgettable songs such
as
"Oye, Como Va".but his passing leaves a big emptiness in the heart of the people
that loved and admired him. His greatness and passion took his music around
the world, becoming a symbol for our community. It is with great sadness that
we have to learn to accept the fact that he is not with us anymore. Who is
now going to make our hearts vibrate with the sound of the timbales? We will
always miss our King of Spanish Harlem, Tito Puente, and he will always have
a place in our lives since his music will sound forever."
by Marlen Rabaneles, Adminstration Department
"I was very impressed by the performance he gave exclusively to the LPemployees.
I couldn't believe that a famous musician would take time out of his busy schedule
to put on a concert for us. When I told my friends that Tito was putting on
a special performance, free of charge, no less, for the LP employees, no one
could believe it. I am so glad I had the opportunity to see him perform and
meet him."
by Catherine McDermott, Executive Department
My childhood memories are filled with Tito. Besides growing up with his music
in our house throughout the night. I most remember him, his family and many
musical friends filling our house with laughter. Not ordinary laughter but
the kind that makes you cry and gives you a stomach ache. As a child, I was
always extremely eager for the times he visited us since I knew it would be
a fun and memorable occasion for everyone. From his impromptu performances,
to his 60th birthday party where HE threw himself into his own birthday cake
they were always highlights for me. I was extremely fortunate to know Tito
in this personal way. Even years later, he still would greet me as if I was
still that little ten year old. Asking about my own family and filling me in
with the news on his family. He will be a great loss to all but fortunately
his memory will live on. He was bigger then life and loved by all.
by Andrea Cohen Nasstrom, Marketing Department
My memories of Tito go back more than 30 years. I remember standing at the
front of the dance floor of the Corso watching Tito and his Mambo Band; at
a backyard birthday party in his honor at our Hillsdale home; touring Europe
with our LP Jazz Ensemble; and sharing the wonderful receptions this man received
because of his fantastic musical talents and his warm personality which transcended
any language barriers; and last September when Tito Puente took the time to
perform for the LP employees. It was a proud moment for me that Tito now such
a world renown musician, and gave a wonderful showmanlike performance. He was
a consummate performer and showman. He was an inspiration to all the younger
musicians It was rewarding that in recent years he was receiving the much deserved
recognition and respect worldwide.
by Marilyn Cohen, Executive Vice President
LP Founder Martin Cohen best summed it up nearly two years ago when asked
what Tito's role was as Ambassador of LP. Martin replied, matter of factly," Tito
Puente IS LP."
From the entire staff at LP....Tito will be deeply missed but will always
remain in our hearts. His music will be with us for an eternity.....the magic
lives on!
Para Siempre...el
Rey del Timbal, (Forever the King of Timbales)
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