HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CATALINO "TITE" CURET ALONSO

On 2026-02-12, Representative Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CATALINO "TITE" CURET ALONSO" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CATALINO "TITE" CURET ALONSO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E134] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CATALINO ``TITE'' CURET ALONSO ______ HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ of puerto rico in the house of representatives Thursday, February 12, 2026 Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Catalino ``Tite'' Curet Alonso, one of Puerto Rico's most influential cultural figures and one of the most prolific composers in the history of Latin music. Today marks the centennial of his birth. Born on February 12, 1926, in Guayama, Puerto Rico, Tite Curet Alonso rose from modest beginnings to become a defining voice of Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean identity. Over the course of his career, he composed more than 2,000 songs that helped shape the sound, language, and social consciousness of Latin music, particularly within the genre of salsa. Often referred to as El Poeta del Pueblo, Tite Curet Alonso used his lyrics to reflect the lived experiences of working-class communities, to confront social injustice, and to affirm the dignity and cultural heritage of Afro-Caribbean peoples. His work resonated far beyond Puerto Rico, reaching audiences throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States, and leaving a lasting mark on the cultural landscape of the hemisphere. His compositions were performed by some of the most renowned artists in Latin music, including Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Cheo Feliciano, and Willie Colon. Through these collaborations, his music became both a chronicle of its time and a lasting expression of identity, resilience, and pride. In addition to his artistic contributions, Tite Curet Alonso was a journalist, radio producer, and public servant, dedicating more than 30 years of service to the United States Postal Service. Throughout his lifetime, he received numerous recognitions honoring his contributions to music and culture. Mr. Speaker, as we observe Black History Month, it is especially fitting to recall that through his music, Tite Curet Alonso affirmed the beauty, dignity, and humanity of Black people across Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the African diaspora. In words that continue to resonate, he reminded us of ``the pretty faces of my Black people--las caras lindas de mi gente negra''--a powerful affirmation of identity and pride. It is in that spirit that we honor his legacy today--one that continues to enrich the cultural fabric of the United States and Puerto Rico. ____________________