Tito Puente [SEP] conflict
sister Anna in the 1930s and intended to become a dancer, but an ankle tendon injury prevented him pursuing dance as a career. When the drummer in Machito's band was drafted to the army, Puente subsequently took his place.
Career.
Puente served in the Navy for three years during World War II after being drafted in 1942. He was discharged with a Presidential Unit Citation for serving in nine battles on the escort carrier USS Santee (CVE-29). The GI Bill allowed him to study music at Juilliard School
Tito Puente Jr.
Tito Puente Jr. (born June 2, 1971) is a bandleader. He is the son of mambo musician Tito Puente and the brother of local New York City meteorologist Audrey Puente. Puente Jr. carries on his father's legacy by presenting, in his performances and recordings, much of Tito Puente repertoire.