[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 68 (Tuesday, June 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LATE ERNESTO ANTONIO PUENTE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. CARLOS A. ROMERO-BARCELO

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday June 6, 2000

  Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Mr. Speaker, on this occasion I express our 
sadness over the death of Ernesto Antonio Puente, Jr., June 2, 2000, 
the man everyone around the world knew as Tito Puente, the King of 
Mambo. His achievements in pursuit of a higher musical ground and his 
legendary flamboyant style have left an indelible mark on our nation's 
musical heritage.
  To his fellow Puerto Rican-Americans, Tito Puente was more than a 
legend, more than just the Mambo King. He was a trailblazer in the 
world of music, fusing Afro-Caribbean rhythms with jazz, mambo, salsa. 
He created an explosion of inspiration for entire generations of 
aspiring musicians and for generations of youths who learned by 
watching that it was possible to make something of yourself if you 
worked hard.
  In commemorating the late ``timbalero,'' Tito Puente, I would also 
like to honor the countless other Puerto Ricans who have enriched our 
nation's diverse musical culture and those Puerto Ricans who continue 
to rise on the world stage.

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