[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 139 (Thursday, September 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                              TITO PUENTE

                                 ______


                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 1994

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate Mr. Tito Puente who was recently honored at the Hispanic 
Heritage Awards Dinner for Excellence in Arts.
  Born to Puerto Rican immigrants, Mr. Puente grew up in New York's 
Spanish Harlem. He later served in the Navy and through the GI bill was 
able to attend the Julliard School of Music where he studied 
conducting, orchestration and theory. Since the 1950's, he has traveled 
the world sharing his musical gift. He is best known for his musical 
style that brings together the Latin mambo rhythms and salsa mixed with 
jazz and the big band sound.
  Mr. Puente has recorded over 100 albums earning him numerous Grammy 
awards and a Hollywood star. In addition to his musical career, he 
appeared in ``The Bill Cosby Show'', the feature film ``The Mambo 
Kings'' and he hosted a show on Hispanic television. Throughout his 
career, Mr. Puente has not only given us the gift of his music but has 
committed himself to supporting the musical talents of Latino youth. 
The Tito Puente Scholarship Foundation has provided over 80 
underprivileged youth with the opportunity to develop their musical 
talent.
  As a long time fan of Tito Peunte, I am indeed honored to recognize 
his achievements. He is truly an exceptional artist who has played a 
pivotal role in disseminating the artistic and musical traditions of 
the Latin beat.

                          ____________________