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New York - Congressman Charles B. Rangel joined more than sixty community leaders, officials and members of the Tito Puente family on Monday, September 10 in celebrating the dedication of the Tito Puente Post Office in East Harlem.
A World War II veteran and East Harlem native, Puente went on to become one of the most influential Latin-jazz musicians of the 20th century. Known as 'El Rey de los Timbales' and the Mambo King, he brought Afro-Cuban and Caribbean sounds to mainstream audiences, straddling a number of musical genres including jazz, son and salsa.
"This is wonderful testament to a wonderful man," said Congressman Rangel. "What a genius. What talent. What an ambassador for all over the world. With that smile, those drumsticks, and his music, he made America look like what in our hearts we want America to be."
A plaque renaming the old Triborough Post Office after the famous Puerto Rican musician was presented to members of the Puente family, which included wife Margie, older son Ron and daughter (and local meteorologist) Audrey Puente, by United States Postal Service's New York Metro Area Vice President David Solomon and New York City District Manager & Postmaster Robert Daruk.
“It’s always exciting to have the chance to celebrate the achievements of the dedicated people who have contributed so much to shaping our community and this great nation, like Mr. Puente," said Solomon who was born on E. 113th Street.
Ron Puente, Puente's eldest son, expressed the family's gratitude for the honor, thanking everyone who made the day a reality. He also thanked the children of The Tito Puente Education Complex, who began the ceremony with their own rendition of the National Anthem.
"It was only two or three years ago that I was standing in front of the school with Congressman Rangel and then-Gov. Pataki as we dedicated the Tito Puente Education Complex or as we called it, T-PEC.," said Ron Puente. " Now, seeing that work come to fruition and seeing these kids sing is special…It's good to see that the school is working and I hope that you continue to have more success." Congressman Rangel introduced the bill honoring Puente in April 2005, nearly five years after the legend passed away at the age of 77. It passed the House and with the help of Sen. Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer cleared the Senate before being signed by President George W. Bush December 11.
A MAN OF THE COMMUNITY
The Puente family was also presented with a City Council proclamation co-authored by local representatives Melissa Mark-Viverito and Inez Dickens. Viverito recalled her first experiences with Puente as a college radio show host Columbia University. Despite his legendary stature, she said that Puente never let success get in the way of staying close to the community, especially young people.
Tito came to our studios (at WKCR, 99.1-FM)) time and time again whenever we invited him to interact with us as young students," said Viverito. "He was always available to educate us about the contributions of Latin jazz, as well as his own, to global music."
Congressman Rangel agreed, remembering how Tito made everyone feel as if they were his best friend.
"Tito made you feel that way, with a smile and with an embrace," said Rangel. "How often is it that you are in the company of a giant and he is asking you how your kids are, how your grandkids are?"
Other notables that came out to the event included Sofia Hernandez, Hostos Community College President Dolores Fernandez, Puente confidant and Latin music historian Joe Conzo, and representatives the offices of Gov. Eliot Spitzer, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, District Attorney Robert Morgenthau and City Council member Inez Dickens.
After the ceremony, the celebration continued at the 'Crystal Ballroom,' a local community space (240 E. 123rd St.) at the Taino Towers building complex. There everyone enjoyed the sounds of Nelson Gonzalez's Latin Ensemble and the food of local restaurant La Fonda Boricua (169 E. 106th Street). The audience of close to 100 also celebrated the birthday of Puente's widow Margie with traditional Puerto Rican cake by Valencia Bakery.
A WEEK OF HONORING PUENTE
Like Congressman Rangel, Tito Puente used the GI Bill to go to school, completing his formal studies at the Juiliard School of Music. In a career of over 50 years, he won six Grammy Awards and popularized Latin music to generations of Americans of all backgrounds.
Monday's celebration is one of two to be held in honor of Tito Puente in the week before the traditional start of Hispanic Heritage Month on September 15. This Thursday, September 13, Hostos Community College will unveil the first phase of the Tito Legacy project at 10 a.m. at The exhibit of the legend's music and memorabilia. is expected to serve as the foundation named after Tito on the college campus. (For more information, contact Mercedes Moscat at (718) 518-4316.)
Meanwhile, members of the public who would like to remember the occasion can obtain a commemorative postmark of the occasion. To do so, attach a First-Class stamp to the item you want postmarked, and mail it along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Special Events Unit, Tito Puente, 421 8th Ave, RM 2029B, New York, New York 10199. Post Office officials note that the postmark will only be available by mail through October 10, 2007.
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