Bullseye with Jesse Thorn Remembering Willie Colón
Mar 6, 2026
Willie Colón, legendary trombonist and bandleader who helped define salsa, reflects on Bronx jam sessions and teenage bands. He recalls early hits like El Malo, Hector Lavoe’s breakthrough, Fania’s role in popularizing salsa, musical experiments like Che Che Colé, and the joy of locked-in performances. Short, passionate stories about music, community, and the rhythms that shaped a genre.
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Teenage Band Launched At Bronx American Legion Hall
- Willie Colón formed a band at 14–15 and recorded around age 15, playing school dances, weddings, and as a house band at a Bronx American Legion Hall.
- A small-time promoter discovered them at a wedding and they became regulars on 162nd Street and Prospect Avenue, launching his early career.
How Héctor Lavoe Joined After An Embargoed Tape
- Willie shopped an embargoed tape after Al Santiago went bankrupt and Jerry Masucci bought the album, pairing him with producer Johnny Pacheco and bringing Héctor Lavoe in as singer.
- Héctor initially insulted the young band but joined for recordings, and the duo stayed together for eight years.
Crossing Genres Made Che Che Colé A Breakout Hit
- Colón mixed an African nursery rhyme with calypso and triangles to create the unexpected hit Che Che Colé, opening gigs beyond traditional salsa venues.
- The band initially resisted the idea, but the novelty made it a breakout track and expanded their audience.