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-two 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 bonitas,
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 riquesa,
De cariño y bellesa,
De palmeras y playas sin iguales,

Puerto Rico

The band members were:
Eddie Palmieri Leader & Piano
Ismael Quintana Lead Vocal
José Rodríguez Trombone
Barry Rogers Trombone
Victor “Vitin” Paz Trumpet
Mario Rivera Flute & Saxophones
Tommy “Chuckie” Lopez, Jr. Bongo
Jerry Gonzalez Conga
Harry Viggiano Guitar & Tres
Nicky Marrero Timbales, Bongo & Percussion
Jimmy Sabater Coro
Willie Torres Coro
Arturo Campa Coro
Special Invited Guest:
Frankie Malabe Conga
Rick Marotta/Paul Alicea Drums

There are a number of songs that I share on “¡Con Salsa!” that speak specifically to Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia and Dominican Republic…….but as a theme song “Puerto Rico” by Eddie Palmieri “¡es unico!”