Tito Puente, Jr. releases his new album 'In My Father's Shoes' - A Tribute to his dad

MIAMI, FL. (Protel/Universal Records) - In the ultimate musical tribute from a son to a father, Protel/Universal recording artist Tito Puente, Jr. (https://titopuentejr.net) has released "In My Father's Shoes," a sensational collection of songs made famous by his late father and mentor, Latin musical pioneer Tito Puente.
This CD features 12 tracks performed by Puente with his 14-piece orchestra and guest artists.

"In the Shoes of My Father" is a salute to "El Rey de Timbale" ("King of Timbales"), Tito Puente Sr. The elder Puente, who died in 2000 at the age of 77, was the No 1 goodwill ambassador of Latin music for decades, turning it into a truly global phenomenon. His legacy lives on thanks in large part to Tito Puente, Jr.
Guest artists appearing on his mostly instrumental album include saxophonist Mario Rivera (a member of the original Tito Puente orchestra) and Cali Aleman, lead singer of the popular Colombian band Grupo Niche. Puente classics included on the new CD are "Ran Kan Kan," "Mambo Gozon," and the first single to radio, "El Cayuco."
"I think it's very important that the youth of today understand the music of my father," he says. "It's timeless music that makes you dance. Carrying the tradition of his music has been a lifelong dream of mine."
His debut album "Guarachando" featured the smash hit single "Oye Como Va" (a cover of his father's signature standard), which hit No 7 on Billboard's Dance chart and earned a Latin Music Award for "Best Video of the Year."

In 2003, Tito was named spokesperson for the Havanera Co. (a Perry Ellis International brand). Havanera Co. is a Latin-inspired clothing line that translates the joy of Latin culture into fashionable and affordable apparel available exclusively at JC Penney. "I enjoy the Havanera style," Puente, Jr. said. "It defines one of the two worlds I live in -- the casual style of Latinos all over the world."

Now a resident of Miami, Tito Jr. was born and raised in New York City. Under the tutelage of his father, "El Rey," his first instrument was percussion. When he was old enough, Tito began playing the New York City club scene with other well-known Latin artists, including the late, great Celia Cruz.