Object Details
user
Puente, Tito
maker
Latin Percussion
Description (Brief)
This drum set was made by Latin Percussion, Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, around 1990-1996. This drum set consists of timbales, two cowbells, and stand. It was used by Tito Puente in the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. The timbales were built and customized with the 1996 Olympic logo by Ray Gregales of Latin Percussion, Inc.
Ernesto Antonio "Tito" Puente, Jr. (1923–2000) was an American musician, songwriter and record producer. Born in New York City's Spanish Harlem to Puerto Rican parents, Tito Puente became one of the most important Latino bandleaders, composers, arrangers, and percussionists of his generation. He mastered both Afro-Caribbean music and jazz, contributing to the development of Latin Jazz, mambo, and salsa. In collaboration with other great Latin music and jazz artists, he brought a new Latin sound to American music.
The 1996 Summer Olympic Games were held in Atlanta, Georgia and marked the first time since 1984 that the United States topped the medal count. These Games saw over 10,000 athletes, from 197 countries, competing in 26 sports, including the debuts of beach volleyball, mountain biking, softball and women’s soccer. This was also the first Games in which American women, who had taken full advantage of Title IX legislation, competed and excelled in Olympic competition. The women’s gymnastics, soccer, softball and basketball teams all won gold, propelling the US women athletes into the global spotlight and beginning their dominance in Olympic competition. Atlanta benefitted from the Games as Centennial Olympic Park led to the revitalization of the downtown area and the Olympic Village became residence housing for area universities.
Credit Line
Gift of Tito Puente
Date made
1990 - 1996
ID Number
1996.0304.01
accession number
1996.0304
catalog number
1996.0604.01
Object Name
drum set
Physical Description
steel, chrome-plated (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 126 cm x 70 cm x 63 cm; 49 5/8 in x 27 9/16 in x 24 13/16 in
small drum (macho): 13 in; 33.02 cm
large drum (hembra): 14 in; 35.56 cm
Place Made
United States: New Jersey, Garfield
Related Publication
Kendrick, Kathleen M. and Peter C. Liebhold. Smithsonian Treasures of American History
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
Music & Musical Instruments
Popular Entertainment
Percussion
Family & Social Life
Cultures & Communities
National Treasures exhibit
Artifact Walls exhibit
Exhibition
Entertainment Nation
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Olympics
related event
Olympic Summer Games: Atlanta, 1996
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_609361