Alberto "Titi" Amadeo

Alberto "Tití" Amadeo Rivera (1906–1968) was a Puerto Rican composer, guitarist, and instrument maker who became a prominent figure in the New York Latin music scene from the 1930s through the 1960s. Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, to Jesús María Amadeo y Antonmarchi and Vicenta Rivera Pagán, he later relocated to New York City. There, he led his own musical groups, recorded an extensive discography backing various soloists, and performed with Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz for NBC. In addition to his work as a performer, Amadeo was also a skilled artisan who hand-crafted guitars and other string instruments.

Amadeo is widely recognized for composing the song "Idilio" in 1954. The track was first recorded by Mike Amadeo y su Trío, followed by versions by Davilita in 1973 and La Solución in 1978, before achieving widespread international fame through a recording by Willie Colón. Amadeo's musical legacy extended to his family; his son Miguel Angel "Mike" Amadeo became a composer and the longtime owner of the historic Casa Amadeo music store in the Bronx, and he was the uncle of the Grammy-nominated vocalist Tito Nieves.