Salsa Legend Willie Colón Dies, New Music from Immanuel Wilkins

Detroit radio show celebrates Colón's legacy and previews upcoming performances by Wilkins and Miguel.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 9:18pm

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This week's episode of the Detroit radio show "In The Groove" pays tribute to salsa icon Willie Colón, who recently passed away, and previews new music from jazz saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and R&B artist Miguel. The show features a mix of tracks spanning multiple genres, including salsa, jazz, R&B, and indie rock.

Why it matters

Willie Colón was a pioneering figure in the salsa music scene, known for his collaborations with artists like Rubén Blades. His passing marks the end of an era for Latin music. Meanwhile, Immanuel Wilkins and Miguel represent the next generation of musicians keeping the Detroit music scene vibrant and diverse.

The details

The episode includes tracks from Colón's catalog, including "Jazzy" and "Pedro Navaja," as well as new music from Wilkins, who is set to perform at the Blue Llama in Detroit on March 14, and Miguel, who will be touring in Detroit on February 26 at the Fox Theatre. The playlist also features a range of other artists across multiple genres.

  • Willie Colón passed away recently.
  • Immanuel Wilkins will perform in Detroit on March 14.
  • Miguel will perform in Detroit on February 26.

The players

Willie Colón

A legendary salsa musician known for his collaborations with artists like Rubén Blades.

Immanuel Wilkins

A jazz saxophonist who will be performing in Detroit on March 14.

Miguel

An R&B artist who will be touring in Detroit on February 26.

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What they’re saying

“REST IN RHYTHM to the Salsa bad boy himself Willie Colón.”

— Ryan Patrick Hooper, Host, In The Groove (wdet.org)

What’s next

Fans can catch Immanuel Wilkins' performance at the Blue Llama in Detroit on March 14 and Miguel's tour stop at the Fox Theatre on February 26.

The takeaway

This episode of "In The Groove" celebrates the legacy of salsa legend Willie Colón while also highlighting the vibrant and diverse music scene in Detroit, with upcoming performances by artists like Immanuel Wilkins and Miguel.