Tag Archives: King of Mambo

International Salsa Museum (ISM) Launching First-Ever Exhibition Honoring La Lupe

Posted on by
Reply

La Lupe is being feted in the Big Apple.

The International Salsa Museum (ISM) has announced a first-ever exhibition celebrating the late Afro-Cuban artist known as the Queen of Latin Soul.

La LupeLa Lupe, whose full name is Lupe Victoria Yolí Raymond, was a Cuban singer of boleros, guarachas and Latin soul who was known for her energetic, sometimes controversial performances.

Held during the 2023 New York International Salsa Congress (NYISC), the three-day pop-up and fan experience will also commemorate the centennial of the King of Mambo, Tito Puente.

“ISM is honored that the estates of these seminal artists of early Latin music believe in our mission,” said Willy Rodriguez, co-founder and executive director of ISM, in a statement. “It’s important to educate the public on their legacies while humanizing the persons behind the curtains.”

As part of the tribute, Puente’s son, Tito Puente Jr. will form part of a panel discussion about the past, present, and future of salsa with ISM and former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise, Luis Figueroa.

He will also perform with his orchestra.

The exhibition and pop-up, fan experience will open September 1 at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

For ticketing information, and more, click here. 

Edward James Olmos Developing Several Projects on the Life & Work of Tito Puente

Posted on by
Reply

Edward James Olmos is celebrating a Latin music legend.

The 73-year-old Mexican American actor, director, producer, and activist has teamed up with Tito Puente’s familia to bring the story of the legendary Puerto Rican musician to the world in a series of projects, including film, television and VR content.

Edward James Olmos

Known as the “King of Mambo,” Puente was a six-time Grammy winner, and received many other accolades before he died in 2000.

Olmos is working with Puente’s son, Tito Puente Jr., producer/writer Damon Whitaker, music artist/producer David Guzman, and his own son, director/producer Michael D. Olmos, to bring the projects to life.

The Olmos team will be producing the project alongside Whitaker and Guzman, with Tito Jr. advising throughout the process. 

The team is developing a docuseries featuring never-before-seen images and footage from the family’s estate to create a feature film that focuses on Puente’s struggle to bring Latin music to the mainstream. 

A VR musical experience and a tribute album with contemporary artists covering classic Tito Puente songs are also on the pipeline. 

“We are thrilled to finally have the story of Tito Puente come to life, thanks to the vision of Mr. Olmos and his team. The history of Tito Puente through his extensive career and timeless music will be told and shared with fans of all generations young and old,” said Tito Puente Jr. “We hope to inspire audiences around the world with his story and his rich musical legacy. Eddie is a huge fan of my dad’s music and was the one who gave the eulogy at my dad’s funeral.”

Born in the barrios of New York City, Puente served in the military and went to Juilliard on the G.I. Bill, and fought for the rights of his fellow Afro Latin and African American musicians to play alongside him in segregated clubs.

“This will be the greatest Tito Puente experience ever. I want this story to celebrate life and hope, especially in these dark times,” said Olmos. “Tito’s story is timeless because it shows the entire world that you can start from humble beginnings, but through your passion, discipline and hard work — and a great sense of humor — you can still change the world.”

Olmos is best known for his television roles on Miami Vice, Battlestar Galactica and Mayans MC, and his film roles in Stand and Deliver, American Me and Selena.