Tito Puente
Tito Puente, internationally recognized for his contributions to Latin music, is a veteran who called the GI Bill one of the best decisions of his life.
During World War II, Puente was drafted into military service. For the next three years, Puente served on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier in the South Pacific.
During his time in the military, Puente taught himself to play the saxophone. Afterwards, as a veteran, Puente furthered his musical education using the GI Bill to enroll in New York's legendary Juilliard School of Music, where he studied composition, orchestration, and conducting.
Tito Puente is best known for his all-time best-selling 1958 mambo album Dance Mania. His eclectic career transcended all cultural and generational boundaries. He has recorded with rocker Carlos Santana; appeared in several films; received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; and performed to millions on The David Letterman Show.
In 1979 Puente won his first Grammy Award. He had performed at the White House since the administration of President Jimmy Carter.
By the end of his career, Puente had recorded 100 albums, published more than 400 compositions, and won four Grammy awards. In 2000, he received The Latin Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Performance.
