Release #310-00

 

Contact:

Sunny Mindel / Michael Anton (212) 788-2958

-Remarks By Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani At Public Hearing On Local Laws-

The next bill before me, Introductory Number 780, sponsored by Council Member Reed, Speaker Vallone and 24 of their colleagues, and supported by my Administration, would add the name "Tito Puente Way" to East 110th Street, between Fifth Avenue and First Avenue, in Manhattan.

Tito Puente was born on April 23, 1923 at Harlem Hospital in New York City. He began studying piano at age six and percussion instruments at age ten. Tito Puente was considered a child prodigy, launching his professional career when he was only thirteen years old.

During World War II, Tito Puente served in the United States Navy, where he developed his love of big band music. After his discharge in 1945, he studied conducting, orchestration and theory at the Julliard School and started his first band. During the 1950s, the band, "Tito Puente and his Orchestra," became a fixture in New York City nightlife.

In a career that spanned sixty years, Tito Puente recorded 118 records, wrote and published more than 400 compositions, won 5 Grammy Awards and completely dominated Latin music in the United States. To his fans, Tito was lovingly known as the "Mambo King," "El Rey," and "El Maestro."

Unfortunately, Tito Puente died on June 1, 2000 at the age of 77, while at work on what would have been his 119th record.

In recognition of Tito Puente's world-renowned musical accomplishments, it is fitting that East 110th Street, between Fifth Avenue and First Avenue, be named Tito Puente Way.

For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.