Rafael Angel ‘Tito’ De Gracia was born on April 4, 1962 in Villa Palmeras, Santurce, Puerto Rico. He began playing the tumbadoras at 5 years of age and at 12 he was already playing the bongos and the timbales. He also studied the trumpet from 14 to 16 years old. In his early adolescence, he joined the band Los Chiquitines del Son as a percussionist, directed by renowned guitarist Max Torres.
From 1978 to 1980, he played the timbales with the salsa band Maldades, lead by pianist Archie Pereira. Later, from 1980 to 1982, he played the tumbadoras with saxophonist Hector Lopez’s orchestra San Juan, recreating the music of Machito, Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez. From 1982 to 1984, Tito continued to play the tumbadoras with the Panamericana orchestra, under the direction of trumpetist Carlos ‘Coamito’ Rodriguez.
In 1984, due to his consistent and brilliant performances, Tito De Gracia, was signed with the company Latin Percussion. From 1985 to 1990, he joined bongo player Roberto Roena’s Apollo Sound orchestra playing the timbales and also singer ‘Cano’ Estremera’s orchestra, in this case first playing the bongos and later the timbales.
From 1990 to 1999, Tito played the timbales with Andy Montañez’s orchestra and from 2000 until today he performs with singer Michael Stuart’s orchestra, where he plays a combination of timbales and drums. From 2002 until today, he has also performed with the band Truco y Zaperoko and with Rumbantela.
Tito De Gracia has recorded and performed with various bands in several music genres, joining great contemporary music figures like Mark Anthony, Willie Colón, Celia Cruz, Oscar De León, Luis Enrique, Trina Medina, Ismael Miranda, Andy Montañez, Jerry Rivera, Eddie Santiago, Ricardo Arjona, Chayanne and Franco de Vita, pianist Papo Lucca, flute players Nestor Torres and Dave Valentin and with trumpetist Humberto Ramirez and Tego Calderón. Tito began to perform as group leader in 1996 with his 7 Knights and since 2003, directing his Naoka Jam, with whom he recorded his debut album My Latin Roots (ONC Records).
In 2003, Tito De Gracia performed in Carolina, Puerto Rico (2003) in the kettledrum player’s concert, where he was presented an Official Proclaim and he also performs in the film Habana Nights, filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.