Called the “Frank Sinatra of Latin Music.” Tito Rodriguez is one of the 1950’s Mambo eras “Big Three” (the other two being Machito and Tito Puente). Tito was equally adept at swinging big band Latin or Ballads.

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Tito Rodríguez moved to New York in 1940 when his parents died. Tito soon got a job playing percussion in Xavier Cougat’s band. In 1947 he formed his own dance band, Los Diablos del Mambo. He enrolled in the Juilliard School of Music to study vibraphone and percussion and later renamed his band the Tito Rodríguez Orchestra. In addition to his instrumental talents and leadership, Rodríguez’ satin voice and impeccable phrasing made him a popular singer in the 1950s.

His rivalry with Tito Puente was particularly intense, as commemorated in the song, “Avísale a Mi Contrario Que Aquí Estoy Yo" (Tell My Rival That I’m Right Here). Of the two prodigiously talented Titos, some fans preferred Rodríguez for his voice, while others thought Puente the better arranger and timbalero and the two bandleaders fought over top billing when they shared dates at venues like the Palladium Ballroom.

Rodríguez succumbed to leukemia at the relatively young age of 50 after headlining at Madison Square Garden.

Top songs in Mr. Rodriguez’s publishing and writer repertoire include:

Avisale A MI Contrario - Tito Rodríguez El Que Se Fue - Tito Rodriguez Sun Sun Babae - Tito Rodríguez A Llegado La Hora - Tito Rodríguez Tu (El) Panuelo - Tito Rodríguez Claves For Mambo - Tito Rodríguez, La Vendedora De Amor - Tito Rodríguez Negras Cenizas - Tito Rodriguez Mango del Monte - Tito Rodríguez