Tito Puente Net Worth

After an apprenticeship in the historic Machito Orchestra, Puente was drafted into the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. He returned to New York in 1945 to study at New York City’s famed Juilliard School and in 1948 formed a band that would later be known as the Tito Puente Orchestra. By the ’50s, the band was attracting large crowds and Puente became a Latin music sensation. In 1958, Puente released his best-selling album, Dance Mania, and more hits followed. Throughout his career, Puente performed with a number of leading jazz performers and also with many symphony orchestras. Puente received numerous awards for his work, including five Grammy Awards. In 1999, Puente was awarded an honorary degree at Columbia University. Ernesto Antonio “Tito” Puente died June 1, 2000 (aged 77) in New York City, New York.