About Tito Rodriguez, Jr
Tito Rodríguez, Jr is one of the leading Timbales artists in Tropical Music today. Tito’s signature sound is inspired by traditional big bands of the past with a contemporary twist. Prodigiously gifted as an arranger, composer, producer and bandleader, Tito found his Latin music voice through the Timbales.
Name: Tito Rodríguez, Jr.
Born: February 20, 1955
Birth Place: New York, NY
Raised in New York, Tito was born to Puerto Rican and Japanese parents, the only son of the legendary El Inolvidable (The Unforgettable), Tito Rodríguez and Takeko Rodríguez, Tito was admitted to Berklee College of Music at the age of 19.
Tito’s first album, Curious? for TR Records, a label owned by his father, the legendary Puerto Rican singer and bandleader, Tito Rodríguez, El Inolvidable, debuted in 1975. Tito’s discography also includes Eclipse and The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra: Live at the Blue Note.
Transición, Tito’s fourth album, is a visual and auditory tribute to the diverse philosophies of his father and Japanese mother, Takeko, who passed down their passion and love of Latin music to him. In the cover photos for Transición, Tito’s drum sticks form the illusion of fans. Fans are cherished possessions in both the Japanese and Puerto Rican cultures.
His recordings, in the classic tradition of his father, are stamped with Tito’s personal signature. Tito’s sophisticated way with lyrics; melody and Latin rhythm have become a worldwide sensation for dancers as well as listeners. In sustaining this musical legacy, his parents remain a source of inspiration.
Performances around the globe have delighted audiences at The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, The Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Tanglewood, Istanbul Jazz Festival, Tempo Latino, Jazz at Vienne, Burgenhausen Jazz Festival, El Dia National de la Salsa, Concord Jazz Festival, The Barbican Centre, Pori Jazz Festival and Ravinia Jazz Festival to critical reviews.
Plans for annual recordings are in the works, as Tito continues to expand his repertoire to include a label for talented artists.
News & Reviews
Remembering The Unforgettable One
Listening to the rhythmic sounds of Mambo, Cha-Cha-Chá and Bolero, I can only imagine what the extraordinary life of the late Pablo Rodríguez must have been like during his heyday.
Tito Rodriguez Jr- Making His Own Legacy Part 2
Tina Trevino and Tito Rodriguez Jr spotlight advice for entrepreneurs in the music industry.
Tito Rodriguez Jr- Making His Own Legacy Part 1
Latin Business Today’s Tina Trevino chats with Tito Rodriguez Jr about his family history, famous father and kicking off his own career.
Endorsements
Tito Rodriguez, Jr endorses and supports the following companies and instruments:
Evans Drumheads
Evans Drumheads has been in the music industry for more than 40 years. Decades ago, Evans was the pioneer of drumhead manufacturing and design. Today, Evans is an innovator.
SABIAN Cymbals
SABIAN is a collection of dedicated and very talented individuals whose only focus is to create the finest cymbals and percussion instruments possible.
Toca Percussion
Toca Percussion is the leading manufacturer of percussion instruments including congas, bongos, timbales, cowbells and djembes.
Vic Firth
Visit Vic Firth for drumsticks, keyboard and timpani mallets, brushes, sponsored drummers, drumming education and news.