Illustrator: Rafael Lopez

Tito Puente was an award-winning performer, arranger, composer and conductor. Popularly known as “El Rey” (The King), Puente bridged Afro-Caribbean musical styles and orchestral jazz. Raised in Spanish Harlem, he recorded more than 140 albums over a career that spanned more than 60 years.

Courtesy United States Postal Service, Postmaster General's Collection