Born in New York City's El Barrio into a Puerto Rican musical family, Johnny has been singing and playing since the age of three, when he learned to play the guitar.  He discovered Latin Jazz in part through musician Cal Tjader, and became a well recognized pianist, composer and arranger.  As pianist and musician George Haskins observes, Johnny Colon was at the forefront of the "Boogaloo" movement.  His work, "Boogaloo Blues," for example, set the tone for this era and survives today as the anthem for this period in Latino music history.

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Johnny conceived and founded The East Harlem Music School, the only school in the United States that offers education in the full range of Latin music.  Opened in 1970 with 119 students, it has since passed over 20,000 through its doors of rich experience.  It has remained a symbol of hope and heritage in the Hispanic community.  The school brings together the best and most enthusiastic students and professional musicians to share the traditional Latin rhythms and techniques.

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Press: Village Voice & New York Post