Tito Rodríguez

Tito Rodríguez
Background information
Birth namePablo Rodríguez Lozada
Also known asEl Inolvidable
BornJanuary 4, 1923
Santurce, Puerto Rico
DiedFebruary 28, 1973(1973-02-28) (aged 50)
New York City, U.S.
GenresMambo, cha-cha-cha, bolero, pachanga, guaracha
Occupation(s)Musician, bandleader, composer, arranger, television host
Instrument(s)Vocals, timbales
Years active1936–1973
LabelsRCA Victor, Tico, Alegre, United Artists, Musicor, TR Records, West Side Latino

Pablo Rodríguez Lozada (January 4, 1923 – February 28, 1973), better known as Tito Rodríguez, was a Puerto Rican singer and bandleader. He started his career singing under the tutelage of his brother, Johnny Rodríguez. In the 1940s, both moved to New York, where Tito worked as a percussionist in several popular rhumba ensembles, before directing his own group to great success during the 1950s. His most prolific years coincided with the peak of the mambo and cha-cha-cha dance craze. He also recorded boleros, sones, guarachas and pachangas.

Rodríguez is known by many fans as "El Inolvidable" (The Unforgettable One), a moniker based on his most popular song, a bolero written by Cuban composer Julio Gutiérrez.