Google Doodle honoured Nuyorican
musician and songwriter Tito Puente through an animated doodle that was
displayed on the main page of Google on Tuesday, October 11. The 65-second doodle
video highlights Tito Puente’s life and legacy through a series of animated
clips.

The tribute comes during the U.S.
Hispanic Heritage Month
which is celebrated from 15 September to 15 October every year to recognise the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and accomplishments of the United States. October 11 also marks one year since the unveiling of the Tito Puente Monument in East Harlem, New York City. 

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The Google Doodle page reads, “In honor of U.S. Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the life and legacy of American “Nuyorican” musician and internationally-renowned entertainer, Tito Puente.”

The animation is illustrated by New York-based Puerto Rican artist Carlos Aponte who stated that Puente was a big musical influence and a household name during his childhood in Puerto Rico. 

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Google also gave a special thanks to Tito Puente’s son for the collaboration. “Special thanks to Tito Puente’s son, Tito Puente Jr, for his collaboration on this project,” the Google Doodle page reads.

Watch the video here:

Tito Puente was considered a musical pioneer and a legend who popularised Latin music worldwide. With a career spanning over five decades, he earned fame as a percussionist, composer, bandleader, and songwriter. 

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He combined big band instrumentation and jazz harmonies with Afro-Cuban music. He has recorded over 115 albums and is credited with many more. This journey began with Ran Kan Kan, his first professional track recording which has been used as the soundtrack of today’s Doodle.