Big, big Tito fan here. Posted some of his tunes way back. I can remember when he introduced 14 year old Gloria Estefan on the streets of East Harlem when he did one of his many free shows for the people. He got everyone up and dancing. Without permits, permission, planning, he's set up the band and just start playing. The people came out into the streets dancing. Police responding to traffic interference would join the festivities. Too much joy not to do so. He often did this a block away from an old firehouse, the firemen would set up tables, and within 20 minutes people from the neighborhood would cover those tables with endless platters and giant bowls of food, 50 gallon barrels of sangria and fruit drinks for the children, all for hungry and thirsty dancers to indulge and share. Everyone danced, even the old men who played dominoes all day in the social clubs, out with paper bag covered cervasas in their hands, suspenders over colorful shirts and flowing slacks, straw derbies on their heads. The oldest of the mamasitas, in long flowing floral dresses, flowers in their hair, all up and dancing as the children danced between them. Never any fights, shootings, gang incidents, or any such nonsense. And afterwards, the streets were cleaner than before the band started playing, swept clean and trash gathered by the people exhausted from dancing.
When Tito played the uptown and Bronx or Brooklyn dance clubs, my wife and I would dress to the nines and with friends go dancing till dawn, our parents caring for the kids. Never a problem of any sort. Tito and his fellow musicians and singers brought too much joy and pleasure to allow for anger of any sort. No one wanted to be a spoiler.
When we finally got home, my wife and I would crawl out of our clothes and fall into bed, exhausted, sleeping with smiles on our faces. Thankfully, indelible memories, and I can hear the drums, vibes and horns, see my wife as the beautiful young mother she was dancing the nights away. Thank you Tito. And a Thank you for the Fania Allstars who often joined him.
