Tito Puente aka “The Mambo King,” is born - This Day in History – Apr 20th

Back in 1923, future bandleader and percussionist known as the “Mambo King,” Ernest “Tito” Puente was born in New York City.  

History.com stated that, “During a career that spanned six decades, the dynamic showman nicknamed “El Rey” (The King), recorded over 100 albums, won five Grammy Awards and was referred to by The New York Times as “the most important Latin musician of the last half century” upon his death in 2000.”

“Puente, who during his career often gave several hundred performances each year, continued to perform until shortly before his death at age 77 on May 31, 2000, after undergoing heart surgery in New York City. Crowds of fans waited in line for hours to attend his wake in Manhattan, and the Puerto Rican government declared three days of official mourning.” 

All History facts provided from the link below:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/mambo-king-tito-puente-is-born?catId=13