Tito Puente: The Latin King Who Fought in World War II
Tito Puente, known as the Latin King, the Mambo King, or simply El Rey, was a musical legend who popularized Latin music in the United States. But what many may not know is that before he became a music icon, Puente served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, Puente was a musical prodigy who learned to play the piano at a young age and turned professional by the time he was 13. He played over a dozen instruments and found his big break playing with the Machito Orchestra in the early 1940s.
Puente’s musical career was put on hold when he was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1942. He served aboard the escort carrier USS Santee (CVE-29) and participated in nine battle missions across the globe. One of the most harrowing moments of his service came on Oct. 25, 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, when the USS Santee was struck by a kamikaze suicide plane.
The attack resulted in the deaths of four crewmen and left many others wounded. Puente, who was a shipboard musician and bugler, bore minor shrapnel scars on his face for the rest of his life as a result of the attack.
After the war, Puente returned to music and became a pioneering hitmaker of Latin music in the postwar era. His signature hit, “Oye Como Va,” became a worldwide smash and was later popularized by Carlos Santana in 1970.
Puente’s music continued to connect with audiences across generations, and he received numerous accolades for his contributions to Latin music. He passed away in 2000 at the age of 77, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential artists in the development of Latin American music in the United States.
Puente’s story is a testament to his resilience and talent, as he overcame the challenges of war to become a musical icon beloved by fans around the world.
