Truth in History: What a Concept.

I want to publicly thank Jose Madera, longtime member of the Tito Puente Orchestra and son of Machito founding member Jose "Pin" Madera, for highlighting key, often overlooked aspects of Machito's history. His insights have opened the door for future generations to better understand the origins and significance of the great Afro-Cuban/Latin band Machito.  In a recent written statement, he has shed more light & clarity on the origins of the band's sound than a large number of books & articles have in the last 50 years.

For so long, magazine editors, book publishers, record company liner notes & credits, and the like have focused first on producing a product to sell to the consumer.  The media is often so concerned with how to "spin" a story to draw an audience that it overlooks the importance of seeking the TRUTH, which is essential to building audience trust.

Sometimes it takes people like Mr. Madera to clarify misconceptions and poor research. In a world where information spreads rapidly, we must learn to read critically and seek the truth ourselves, empowering the audience to become active participants in understanding history.

                                         Machito Orchestra - 1946