Born Ernesto Antonio Puente, Jr., on April 20, 1923, in el barrio Spanish harlem, New York, Puente was a musical pioneer for mixing musical styles with Latin sounds and for his experiments in fusing Latin music with jazz. The son of Puerto Rican immigrants, Puente grew up in New York City's Spanish Harlem and took piano lessons as a child and then studied percussion. He became a professional musician at age 13. Tito Puente later learned to play a number of instruments, including the piano, saxophone, vibraphone, and timbales (paired high-pitched drums). After an apprenticeship in the historic Machito Orchestra, he was drafted and served in the navy during World War II.
Once he returned to New York in 1945, Puente used money from the G.I. Bill to study at the famed Juilliard School of Music. He formed a band that would later be known as the Tito Puente Orchestra in 1948. By the 1950s, crowds came to see his band play and Puente became a Latin music sensation. In 1958, his best-selling album, Dance Mania, was released. More hit records followed as the world enjoyed the way Puente put a big band spin on traditional Latin dances.
He added other Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms to his repertoire, including cha cha, merengue, bossa nova, and salsa, and among his notable songs are Babarabatiri, Ran Kan Kan, and Oye Como Va. Puente also performed with leading jazz performers, including George Shearing and Woody Herman, as well as with many stars of Latin music and, in later years, with symphony orchestras.
During a career that spanned more than five decades, Puente became a musical legend in Latin music and jazz circles. He made more than 100 albums and created more than 200 compositions. Puente received numerous awards for his work, including five Grammy Awards. Sometimes called the "King of Latin Jazz" or simply "El Rey" - The King - he made an indelible mark on the popular culture. The writer Oscar Hijuelos made him a character in his 1989 novel, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love, and Puente appeared as himself in the 1992 film adaptation. He also guest starred on numerous television shows, such as The Simpsons.
Tito Puente died on May 31, 2000, while in the hospital for heart surgery in New York, New York. Adored by his fans, many people waited in line for days to say good-bye to the popular bandleader.
Oye Cómo Va
Tito Puente Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Me ritmo
Bueno pa gozar
Mulatta
Tito Puente's song "Oye Como Va" is a classic Latin jazz tune that has endured through the years due to its infectious rhythm and catchy melody. The lyrics of the song are simple and repetitive, but they convey a lot of emotion and energy. The phrase "oye como va" means "listen to how it goes," and implies that the music is so good that it speaks for itself. The term "me ritmo" translates to "my rhythm," and is a reference to the percussion-heavy nature of the song. The phrase "bueno pa gozar" means "good for enjoying," and suggests that the song is meant to be danced to and enjoyed.
The final word in the song, "mulatta," is particularly interesting because it refers to a woman of mixed race. This is a common theme in Latin music, where there is a long history of interracial mixing and cultural exchange. By including this term in the song, Tito Puente acknowledges the influence of African and indigenous cultures on Latin music, and celebrates the diversity of his audience.
Overall, "Oye Como Va" is a song that celebrates the joy and vitality of Latin music, and encourages listeners to let loose and enjoy themselves on the dance floor. Its simple yet powerful lyrics have made it a perennial favorite of Latin jazz fans around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Oye como va
Hey, how's it going?
Me ritmo
My rhythm
Bueno pa gozar
Good for enjoying
Mulatta
Mixed-race woman
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Tito Puente
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shruggzdastr8-facedclown
I'm one of those for whom Santana was my gateway into Tito Puente having been a big fan of his version of "Oye Como Va" (while not knowing that his was a cover, not his original composition) from since I was a child/adolescent. Then, independently, I discovered Tito via a performance he did for one of the '80s/'90s late night talk shows (either Letterman or Conan) and instantly fell in love with his music. Not long afterward was when I learned that he was the originator of "Oye Como Va"
@Farrah300
I love this version equally as much as Santana's version.
@teuilagracetualaulelei1609
According to a radio doco featuring Tito Puente Jr, his father not only didn’t mind that Santana cover was a monster smash but the royalty cheques were the cherry on top😊
@JerseysFinests
This is the god chosen . Tito puente is the king of salsa . Long live the king . Here and in heaven . Amen 🙏🏼 🇵🇷🙌🏻
Timeless. Eternal . Tito 4 ever
@naimabutler8960
He’s not the originator of (Evil Ways) either Willie Bobo is, check him out. I still love Carlos Santana, he’s a favorite of mine. Tito Puente was the man.
@imnotmau_uwu
This is Tito Puente Oye Como va, Mi Ritmo bueno pa gozar mulata, Héctor Hernández on Radioo Espantosooo 1984
@romaberlintokio
RáAAdio Ejpantóso
@angeljoelcruz5250
😂😂😂👍🇵🇦
@eduardovillegas747
😊😊😊🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
@liliMada97200
Gta vice city stories🎉