Three Mambo Music Legends: Machito, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez
The history of Latin music in the United States is rich and diverse, with many influential musicians and styles originating from Cuba, Puerto Rico and other Latin American countries. Machito, Tito Puente, and Tito Rodriguez are three legendary figures who helped shape the sound of Latin music in the United States, particularly in New York City, during the mid-20th century.
Machito, whose real name was Francisco Raúl Gutiérrez Grillo, was born in Cuba in 1908 and moved to New York City in 1937. He formed the band Machito and his Afro-Cubans, which became one of the most popular Latin music groups of the 1940s and 1950s. Machito's music blended elements of Cuban Music with jazz, creating a new style that became known as Afro-Cuban jazz. The band's performances at New York's Palladium Ballroom helped popularize the Mambo, a dance style that became a sensation in the United States.
Tito Puente, also known as the King of Mambo, was born in New York City in 1923 to Puerto Rican parents. He began playing music at a young age and went on to become one of the most influential Latin musicians of the 20th century. Puente's music was characterized by his virtuosic percussion playing and his ability to blend Latin rhythms with jazz and other genres. He recorded more than 100 albums over the course of his career and won several Grammy Awards. Some of his most famous compositions include 'Oye Como Va' and 'Ran Kan Kan.'
Tito Rodriguez, born in Puerto Rico in 1923, was a singer and bandleader who also became a major figure in the Latin music scene in New York City. He began his career as a percussionist in various bands before forming his own group, the Tito Rodriguez Orchestra. Rodriguez's music blended elements of Cuban Music with jazz and other genres, and he became known for his smooth, romantic style. Some of his most popular songs include 'Mama Guela' and 'Inolvidable.'
The music of Machito, Tito Puente, and Tito Rodriguez helped popularize a number of dance styles in the United States, including the Mambo and the Cha-Cha. Their music also had a significant impact on jazz, influencing many jazz musicians to incorporate Latin rhythms into their music. Today, their music remains popular and continues to influence new generations of musicians.
Latin Music LP
Machito and His Orchestra - Mi Amigo, Machito (SLP 1053)
Format: LP - Tico Records. 26U5 ---M
Latin Music LP
Machito and His Famous Orchestra, Graciela - Machito At The Crescendo (GNP 58)
Format: LP - GNP Records. 26U5 ---M
Latin Music LP
Tito Puente - Homenaje A Beny (JMTS1425)
Format: LP - Tico Records. 27M1 ---P
Latin Music 7in
Tito Puente y Su Orquesta - Babarabatiri b/w Cuban Mambo (TR 45-193)
Format: 7in - Tico Records. 27A2 ---P
Latin Music LP
Tito Puente - Cha Cha Chas for Lovers (LP 1005)
Format: LP - Tico Records. 26T5 ---P
Latin Music LP
Machito and His Orchestra - Mi Amigo Machito (F 9038)
Format: LP - Forum Records. 27Q3 ---M
Latin Music LP
Tito Puente - The Exciting Tito Puento Band in Hollywood (GNP 70)
Format: LP - GNP Records. 28 E3 ---P
Latin Music LP
Machito And His Afro-Cuban Orchestra - Mambo Holiday (HL 7040)
Format: LP - Harmony Records. 26M3 letrM
Latin Music LP
Tito Puente - Pachanga Con Puente (LP 1083)
Format: LP - Tico Records. 26Q4 letrP
Latin Music LP
Tito Puente, Buddy Morrow - Revolving Bandstand (CPL1-0684)
Format: LP - RCA Records. 26G4 letrP
Latin Music LP
Tito Puente - En El Puente, On The Bridge (SLP-1191)
Format: LP - Tico Records. 26L2 letrP
Latin Music LP
Tito Puente - Homenaje A Beny (JMTS-1425)
Format: LP - Tico Records. 26L2 letrP
