While performing with his sister Nelly in New York's Teatro Puerto Rico in 1973, Tony was introduced to New York-bred but Puerto Rico-born vocalist Roberto Tirado who suggested that he compose a hit song for his idol Lucecita Benítez, who was going through hard times in her career. Tony obliged, and with poet David Ortiz, wrote her number one career refreshing hit, "Soy De Una Raza Pura." That would be the only song that Lucecita Benítez would claim as her opening song for many years later on.