Composers
Tito Rodriguez
Born in January, 1923, Tito Rodriquez was a talented percussionist and vocalist who started gaining notoriety after moving to New York with his brother Johnny, also a gifted singer. Tito’s time in New York afforded him the opportunity to perform with Noro Morales, Tito Puente, Curbelo, Xavier Cugat, and many others. The Latin “Frank Sinatra”, according to his long time musical director and friend, Ray Santos, Tito Rodriquez was known for his velvety voice and romantic ballads.
His contracts with the recording labels Tico, RCA, United Artist, Musicor and others led to many great hits such as “Inolvidable”, “Vuela La Paloma, “Cuando Cuando”, “Cara de Payaso”, to name a few. Tito also had his own variety show after moving back to Puerto Rico in 1966 which featured many American acts. His disappointment with the fans of Puerto Rico because of “ anti-Nuyorican” sentiment, and that he “sold out” to the American market, led to Tito Rodriquez leaving Puerto Rico and moving to Florida. He lived in Florida until his death in 1972 after losing his battle with Leukemia.
