“Prince of Salsa” Tito Puente Jr. Helps Kick Off Capital Campaign

Release date: October 25, 2007 |

Latin vocalist, percussionist, and “Prince of Salsa” Tito Puente Jr. will present a concert in Goucher’s Kraushaar Auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m.

This event, which helps kick off the college’s new capital campaign, is free and open to the public. Tickets, however, must be reserved by calling 410-337-6333 or e-mailing boxoffice@goucher.edu.

By birthright and by virtue of his own talent, Puente has helped bring the Latin sound to a new generation of listeners. While nurturing the musical legacy left by his percussion superstar father, known as the “King of Latin Music,” Puente has put his own modern, eclectic spin on salsa, merengue, and mambo.

Puente first took up percussion under the tutelage of his father and then further developed his musical skills by studying piano and composition. When he was old enough, Puente began playing the New York City club scene with other well-known Latin artists, including Celia Cruz.

Puente has released two Spanish-language albums, “Guarachando” and “Sientelo,” both of which received critical acclaim. He also has had several Billboard dance hits and received a Latin Music Award for Best Salsa Video of the Year for a cover of his father’s signature composition “Oye Como Va.” His second album contained the single “Caliente,” which not only was a tribute to his father, but which was also arranged by him.

Puente’s third album, “En Los Zapatos De Mi Padre,” (In My Father’s Shoes), was released in 2004. The CD was spun off into a television special tribute by BET Jazz.