What was the title of Willie Colón's debut album?

Willie Colón’s debut album was El Malo. Released by Fania Records in 1967, it introduced a teenage bandleader whose trombone-centered sound helped shape New York salsa.

Colón recorded the album when he was only 16, and the sessions were completed with the participation of the young Héctor Lavoe. Although Lavoe was not yet the fully established star he would become, his voice was already central to several tracks, including the title song “El Malo.”

The record’s style drew on boogaloo, mambo, guaguancó, and other Afro-Caribbean forms. Its raw, compact arrangements reflected the urban Latin scene of mid-1960s New York. Jerry Masucci produced the album, while Johnny Pacheco served as recording director.

A common mix-up comes from Colón’s later albums, especially The Hustler and Cosa Nuestra. The Hustler followed El Malo as his next album, while Asalto Navideño was a later holiday collaboration with Héctor Lavoe.