Over the years one of the most frequently asked questions is about the ¡Con Salsa! Theme Song – for example:

“I love your show, when I’m able to catch it:)…you frequently queue a song toward the top of the first hour…my Spanish is quite terrible and I can’t cite any lyrics, but it references Puerto Rico…. very upbeat; several parts. Would it be possible to avail the name of this piece/artist?”

Best regards,
Brenden
(Listening from Winter Park, FL)
Sunday, April 1, 2007

For the past thirty-three years the theme song has been “Puerto Rico” by Eddie Palmieri and his orchestra from the album – Sentido. It was originally recorded on vinyl in 1973 on the Mango label, which became Coco and is now available on the MP (Musical Productions) Label. (Check out www.descarga.com). I first heard it when I lived in the South End of Boston at 34 Montgomery Street back in 1973 (paying $350.00 a month for a duplex with three bedrooms, country kitchen w/ exposed brick wall, two bathrooms, and a living room………care to guess what the rent is today?). I bought it at Vitin’s record store on Tremont Street between Dartmouth and Clarendon Streets…..the moment I put the needle to the vinyl I knew that if ever I would have a radio program…..”Puerto Rico” would be the theme song……

The lyrics are:

PUERTO RICO
Published/Ying Yan, Music
(E. Palmieri – I. Quintana)

Isla linda y bonita,
Con sus aguas benditas,
Yo le canto a la Isla de mi encanto.

Isla linda y preciosa,
Sobre todas las cosas,
Yo mantengo en mi mente tu memoria.

Puerto Rico.

Isla de gran riqueza
De cariño y belleza,
De palmeras y playas sin iguales.

Isla tierna y pura
Y de gran hermosura
Verdes valles y pueblos hechiceros.

Puerto Rico.

Chorus:

Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.
Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.
Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.

Te canto a ti Puerto Rico, islita donde nací.
Porque tú eres mi encanto, como te extraño yo a ti.

Puerto Rico.

Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.
Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.
Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.

Aunque, aunque, aunque me extrañe muy lejos
Yo no me olvido de ti, porque tú eres mi encanto,
Como te quiero yo a ti. Mi Borinquén.

Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.
Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.
Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.

A ti, a ti te canto Borinquén
Porque tú eres para mí,
Sobre toditas las cosas te canto yo desde aquí.

Puerto Rico.

Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.
Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.
Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.

(Piano solo)

Chorus:

Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.
Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.
Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.

(Trumpet solo)

Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.
Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.
Isla linda y preciosa, fabulosa, maravillosa.

(Trumpet solo)

THE BAND MEMBERS ARE:
Eddie Palmieri Piano & Leader
Ismael Quintana Lead vocals
José Rodríguez Trombone
Barry Rogers Trombone
Victor “Vitin” Paz Trumpet
Mario Rivera Flute & Saxophones
Tommie “Chuckie” Lopez Bongo
Jerry González Congas
Nicky Marrero Timbales, bongo & percussion
Andy González Bass
Harry Viggiano Guitar & Tres
Jimmy Sabater Coro
Willie Torres Coro
Arturo Campa Coro
SPECIAL INVITED GUEST:
Frankie Malabe Congas
Rick Marotta/Paul Alicea Drums