Willie Colón

Acting

Willie Colón

Born 1950-04-28 · South Bronx, New York, USA

William Anthony Colón Román , better known as Willie Colón, (April 28, 1950 – February 21, 2026) was a Nuyorican salsa musician and social activist. He began his career as a trombonist, and also sings, writes, produces and acts. He was also involved in the politics of New York City and international politics.

Acting credits

It Could Happen to You poster
6.7

Charlie Lang is a simple, kindhearted New York City cop. When he realizes he has no money to tip waitress Yvonne Biasi, Lang offers her half the winnings of his lottery ticket. Amazingly, the ticket happens to be a winner, in the sum of $4 million. True to his word, Lang proceeds to share the prize money with Biasi, which infuriates his greedy wife, Muriel. Not content with the arrangement, Muriel begins scheming to take all the money.

It Could Happen to You

1994

Nueva York: A Musical History of Latin New York poster
8.0

When the film West Side Story was released in 1961, New York's reviled Puerto Rican community gained some visibility and, over time, both in Spanish Harlem and the Bronx, neighborhoods plagued by poverty, drugs and crime, Hispanic identity was reborn and strengthened, thanks to a syncretic and intentionally popular music that eventually conquered the entire city.

Nueva York: A Musical History of Latin New York

2021

The Last Fight poster
4.7

Singer-turned-boxer Andy 'Kid' Clave signs a contract with a shady promoter Joaquin Vargas. But Clave turns against Vargas when the promoter's thugs kill Clave's girlfriend when he thinks about backing out of the contract. While seeking a way to get revenge against Vargas, Clave learns that he has a blood clot in his head. But nothing will deter him from getting his revenge and making a shot at the title.

The Last Fight

1983

Vigilante poster
6.2

New York City factory worker Eddie Marino is a solid citizen and regular guy, until the day a sadistic street gang brutally assaults his wife and murders his child. When a corrupt judge sets the thugs free, he goes berserk and vows revenge.

Vigilante

1983

No artwork available
NR

Explores the legacy of Fania Records and the Fania All‑Stars who pioneered salsa in the United States. The record label is credited with helping to inspire a cultural movement that led to the global dominance of Latin music today.

Pa'l Pueblo: Fania for the People

Salsa poster
10.0

The Fania All Stars perform for 44,000 fans at Yankee stadium in New York. Besides concert footage, there's also included a history of Salsa, and vintage film clips of Hollywood's portrayal of Latinos in movies during the 1930's and 40's.

Salsa

1976

I'm Not Supposed to Be Here poster
NR

A behind-the-scenes look at the music industry reveals what artists must face when chasing their passion. Eddie, a Miami-based music artist and lead singer of the international band Toke D Keda, born in Puerto Rico, is determined to achieve success at any cost. When he is denied a rightfully earned recording contract with Sony Music, he must make some tough choices. Giving up is not an option. A relentless pursuit of a lifelong dream takes Eddie on the journey of a lifetime. He will travel to the ends of the world to find himself and his purpose, but at what cost? Eddie suspects someone is stealing money, but this is the least of his problems. As the band's popularity rises, just trying to keep them together may prove impossible.

I'm Not Supposed to Be Here

2025

From Mambo to Hip Hop poster
NR

Through interviews and performance clips, filmmaker Henry Chalfant explores the history of music in the South Bronx, from the Puerto Rican and Cuban influences that created the local salsa sound to the rise of hip-hop after fires destroyed the area. Artists appearing in this colorful documentary include Eddie Palmieri, Angel Rodríguez, Benny Bonilla, Clemente "Kid Freeze" Moreno, Ray Barretto, Willie Colón, Bobby Sanabria and many others.

From Mambo to Hip Hop

2007

Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa) poster
8.0

Leon Gast's musical documentary reveals New York City's Latin culture and features live performances of salsa greats The Fania All Stars and The Spanish Speaking People of New York. A document of urban American Hispanic culture, Gast's film captures the rhythms of New York's Spanish Harlem, from illegal cockfights and Santeria rituals to the rooftops and backstreets of El Barrio and the legendary musicians performing at the Cheetah club.

Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa)

1972

Beats of the Heart: Salsa poster
NR

'Salsa' captures a unique moment in time for this most exuberant and socially dynamic music.

Beats of the Heart: Salsa

1979

Willie Colón & Rubén Blades - Live In Venezuela poster
NR

Concert in Venezuela at the July 1998 under the AMNISTIA festival. Here Ruben forgets a part of the lyrics and the musicians, although they still play, are surprised at what happened. TrackList 01. Que Sera 02. Pablo Pueblo 03. Idilio 04. Pedro Navaja 05. Gitana 06. Buscando Guayaba 07. El Gran Varon 08. Nacimiento De Ramiro 09. Plástico 10. Plantacion adentro, 11. Homenaje a Hector Lavoe

Willie Colón & Rubén Blades - Live In Venezuela

1998