In loving memory of my Mother in music & great friend......         Celia Cruz!

Tito & Celia during the Academy Honors Awards in 1999 where Celia was the first Latina honored.

 Te queremos por siempre mami Celia!    

I dedicate this page to the loving memory of my mentors whom also were my musical parents.   

Celia Cruz, was a woman whom radiated and gave much love to those around her and to the world. She had an unmeasurable humbleness and  warmth, and an undeniable talent graced by God.   Celia (Mama), thank you  for loving me as your daughter.  God blessed me when I first met you and graced me when I had the honor in working and traveling with you. 

Gracias mi negra por todos tu consejos y por todo tu amor.    Te quiero eternamente. Tu nieto te ama por siempre!

Pedro Knight, was a man with an unbreakable strength and humility. Strong, yet kind and giving.

I thank you for your kindness, and for honoring me to have worked with you and Celia.  

"Te estoy velando"!   Te queremos por siempre! 

Tito Puente, my adoptive dad!  He was amazingly humble, very kind,  unpretentious and comical.  Through his phenomenal   compositions and his unique percussion playing, he resonated joy, love and passion in the hearts of many around the world. 

 I thank you for your fatherly love and your advises. It was an honor and a true blessing to  have known you and work with you as well. 

I hold you very dearly in my heart.  Love you always!

Throughout my years in the music business I learned the following from two of the greatest mentors one could ever  have and whom kept me grounded regardless of the obstacles: "Shower yourself with patience and humility, condition yourself with love and respect. Then moisturize your everyday with gratitude for all you are given, and for those around you. At the end, you will be blessed with the perfume of success".

Thank you Celia and thank you Tito!