Tito Puente Jr., Musician

Tito Puente Jr., Musician

When I called him the first time he couldn’t answer because he was in the middle of potty training his son. Tito Puente Jr. is just like you and me, except that he’s an amazingly talented musician and can jam on the percussion like few others.

His father was the late, great Tito Puente aka “El Rey” and “The Mambo King” and his godmother was Celia Cruz, “The Queen of Salsa.” Tito Jr. grew up surrounded by music and has made quite the name for himself in this business. His newest album is called Got Mambo?

The first fact about Tito Puente Jr. that may surprise you is that although he was born and raised in New York, he’s actually been a South Florida resident for over 20 years.

CRAVINGS: Where in Miami do you go to eat and hang out?

Tito Jr: “I like hole-in-the-wall places; there’s a great place called Disco Fish (1540 SW 67th Avenue). I’m a rice and beans type of guy, so for this combination I’ll go to Bongos or Larios.”

CRAVINGS: What are your favorite night spots?

Tito Jr: “I’m a South Beach cat. I like to go out and hear good music, and that can be anything from hip-hop, to house and of course, Latin. I’ll go to The Delano on Tuesdays, The Forge on Wednesdays and Trio on the Bay; I’m trying to get Gerry Kelly to start a Latin night there!”

CRAVINGS: What are some similarities and differences between you and your father?

Tito Jr: “Well, first of all we look alike, we have the same sonrisa (smile); he loved to entertain and travel, as do I, but I believe I’m more of a father figure than he was; my family is my priority. Some people think that I live in his shadow; not at all, I embrace being his son.”

Official site of Tito Puente Jr: gotmambo.com