Tito Puente was a renowned salsa bandleader, composer, and percussionist. He was known as the 'King of Latin Music' and was one of the most influential figures in Latin music. He was born in New York City in 1923 and was a major force in the development of Latin jazz. He released over 100 albums and won five Grammy Awards. He was also a prolific composer, writing over 200 compositions. Puente was a master of the timbales, a set of two small drums, and was a pioneer in the use of Latin percussion instruments in jazz. He was an important figure in the history of Latin music and his influence is still felt today.