Artist profile · 05/07/2026
Willie Colón
- 13
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 633k
- Last.fm listeners
- 11M
- Last.fm plays
About
Willie Colón, Salsa pioneer and trombone innovator from the Bronx since the 1960s.
William Anthony Colón Román, known as Willie Colón, started studying trumpet at age 12 before switching to trombone. His first professional group featured a unique two-trombone lineup inspired by idols Mon Rivera and Barry Rogers. Signing with Fania Records in 1967 at 17, Colón's debut album, "El Malo," launched a prolific recording career blending salsa with boogaloo, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and jazz influences.
Colón's extensive discography includes both studio and live albums spanning from the late 1960s to recent releases under labels like Fania, Scorpio, and Concord Records. His work remains influential for collectors and audiophiles, with vinyl pressings from various countries and eras available, some commanding premium prices on the collector's market.
Discography
Willie Colón discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
The Big Break - La gran fuga
Willie Colón
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
El baquiné de angelitos negros
Willie Colón
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Solo
Willie Colón
- Vinyl 1
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Fantasmas
Willie Colón
- Vinyl 1
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Corazón guerrero
Willie Colón
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Criollo
Willie Colón
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Tiempo pa' matar
Willie Colón
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Contrabando
Willie Colón
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Top Secrets
Willie Colón
- Vinyl 1
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Color americano
Willie Colón
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Honra y cultura
Willie Colón
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Hecho en Puerto Rico
Willie Colón
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Y vuelve otra vez
Willie Colón
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
El malo vol. II: Prisioneros del mambo
Willie Colón
- Vinyl
- CD 1
- Cassette
Amor verdadero
Willie Colón
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01Oh Qué Será?
- 02Talento De Televisión
- 03El día de mi suerte
- 04Idilio
- 05El Gran Varón
- 06
Pedro NavajaSiembra · 1978 - 07Calle Luna Calle Sol
- 08La Murga
Essentials
3 Willie Colón albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1978Co-produced with Rubén Blades, this landmark salsa album features 7 tracks blending salsa with Afro-Cuban styles, including the classic "Pedro Navaja."
7 tracksStereo LPFania RecordsPopular original pressings from Peru
#2 · 1977A salsa album mixing traditional and modern influences, noted for its dynamic arrangements across 9 tracks, originally released by Fania Records.
9 tracksStereo LPFania RecordsJapanese and French pressings exist
#3 · 1975This album explores a variety of Latin styles including guaracha and funk across 9 tracks, with original US mono pressings available.
9 tracksVinyl LPFania RecordsUS original pressing from 1975
Go further
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B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Willie Colón
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Signing with Fania Records at age 17
In 1967, Willie Colón signed with Fania Records and recorded his debut album 'El Malo' at just 17, beginning a prolific career that influenced salsa and Latin jazz.
Siembra's multiple pressings and price peaks
The 1978 salsa landmark 'Siembra' has seen multiple vinyl pressings, including original mono editions from Peru and Panama. Collector interest keeps original copies priced from €26 to over €39.
Rare Japanese pressing of Metiendo Mano!
The 1977 album 'Metiendo Mano!' was pressed in Japan by Fania Records (cat. FAN-5028), creating a sought-after vinyl variant alongside French pressings.
Two trombones: homage to Mon Rivera and Barry Rogers
Willie Colón’s early professional group used a two-trombone section inspired by Mon Rivera and Barry Rogers, highlighting his innovative brass approach to salsa.
Willie Colón’s compositions 'Jazzy' and 'I Wish I Had a Watermelon' were early salsa hits that defined his sound.— Legacy of 1967 recordings
Willie Colón vinyl discography
See allNew Guisando: Doing A Job
Willie Colón
Afro-cubanMusique du monde
2025-05-30CONCORD RECORDSFrom$33.99
1 offerLo Mato (Si No Compra Este LP)
Willie Colón
Afro-cubanMusique du monde
2022-07-29CONCORD RECORDSFrom$33.77
1 offer
Recommended accessories
See allBig Fudge 4-in-1 Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit, Brush and Cleaning Fluid | Anti Static Velvet and Stylus Brushes, Storage Pouch, Full Clean in Under a Minute, Gentle on Grooves
$24.99
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$21.99
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$21.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Inner Sleeves 25 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches
$14.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Round Bottom Inner Sleeves 50 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches
$21.99
View on Amazon
FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who is Willie Colón?
Willie Colón is a Bronx-born musician and trombonist known for pioneering salsa music since the 1960s.
What are some essential Willie Colón albums on vinyl?
Key vinyl albums include 'Siembra' (1978), 'Metiendo Mano!' (1977), and 'The Good, The Bad, The Ugly' (1975), each notable for their influence and availability.
Which record labels released Willie Colón’s vinyl records?
Major labels include Fania Records, Scorpio, Concord Records, and Universal Music for vinyl releases spanning decades.
What styles of music does Willie Colón perform?
Willie Colón specializes in salsa, Afro-Cuban, Latin jazz, boogaloo, and tropical music styles blending brass and percussion.
Are original Willie Colón vinyl pressings rare in France?
Original pressings like the 1977 'Metiendo Mano!' exist in France but tend to be less common than US or Japanese versions, affecting their rarity and pricing.
Where can I find Willie Colón vinyl records in France?
Vinyl shops specializing in Latin and world music, along with online marketplaces, are good places to find Willie Colón vinyl in France.
What should I know about vinyl pressing variations of 'Siembra'?
'Siembra' was released in several countries, including notable original pressings from Peru and test pressings from Panama, influencing collector interest.
How many tracks are on the album 'Siembra'?
'Siembra' contains 7 tracks, featuring classics like 'Pedro Navaja' and 'Plástico' with runtimes from about 3 to 7 minutes each.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.