We’ve extended our tribute to the life and legacy of Mr. Willie Colon. Now, listeners can also tune in on Sunday from 8am to 2pm est for an extended memorial broadcast.

Born in the South Bronx, here in New York City in 1950, Mr. Colon began playing the trumpet at 12, and switched to the trombone at 14. Just a year after turning 15, he was signed to Fania Records, where he recorded and released his first album at 17. Colon’s 1967 debut album El Malo, reflected the new sounds of the Latino Nuyorican generation that fills many households across the city and Latin America. Mr. Colon went on to have many successful collaborations with other salsa musicians, including Ismael Miranda, Celia Cruz, Soledad Bravo, Ruben Blades, and his early hits with Hector Lavoe.

Colon has been recognized for his exceptional work in the Latin music scene, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Latin Recording Academy in 2004, being inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame, and receiving a plaque with his name at the Bronx Walk of Fame, where he grew up.

Mr. Colon passed away at the age of 75 on February 21, 2026. We honor his memory and legacy during our Mambo Machine show, New York City’s longest-running salsa show, and recognize his impact on the genre and the world of music.

Tune in at 89.9 fm or at wkcr.org