Johnny Colón

Who is Johnny Colón?

Johnny Colon is an American salsa musician, leader of the Johnny Colon Orchestra and founder of the East Harlem Music School, also known as a major contributor to the boogaloo sound of the 1960s.

Colon was born in New York City to parents of Puerto Rican heritage. He wrote most of the Orchestra's tunes, sings, plays percussion, piano and trombone, and first found success in the world of salsa with his 1967 debut album, Boogaloo Blues. He released five albums over the period 1967-72, and in 1968 founded the East Harlem Music School, which still exists. His latest jazz album, "Keeping It Real" features the American pop songbook .