Tito Puente, Jr., son of the performer known as El Rey, the King, embraces his father’s legacy and works to keep it alive. Puente has created his own style and it has taken him a long way. He brings a taste of contemporary jazz to the traditional mambo style and performs more than 300 shows a year across the country, from jazz festivals to grand symphony halls.

 In 2004, he released the celebrated album, In My Father’s Shoes, which inspired a BET Jazz television special. He also appeared on the NPR tribute, The Apollo at 70: A Hot Night in Harlem. His 2010 album, Got Mambo, featuring guests Hansel and Raul and Bobby Cruz combined traditional mambo with new and innovative salsa compositions.