Johnny Polanco

Johnny Polanco was born in the South Bronx, New York, to Dominican and Puerto Rican parents who loved the music of the Caribbean, especially Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican rhythms. He grew up listening to Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Machito, Cortijo y su Combo and traditional trio music from Los Panchos and Johnny Albino. Johnny Polanco got his first real guitar at age 5, but it was not until about the age of 10 that he really started to get interested in playing Latin music. He self taught himself how to play guitar, as well as the tres guitar, violin, percussion instruments, electric bass, trombone and vibraphone. As a young teenager he started playing alongside his uncles Julio and Arturo Urrutia in a trio format, performing in all family gatherings and some local social club events. By the age 14 he was a member of the Steve Colón Band in the Bronx and then moved on to a group called Charanga Sensual. He started to get more interested in the tres guitar and began to absorb with greater intuitiveness this unique string instrument, within a couple of years the tres guitar would became his instrument of choice. The Latin music scene was growing and taking on a new form, finally evolving into what came to be known as “salsa music”.

A proud Marine, Johnny was peacefully called to the Lord on June 2, 2015 at his residence in Lakewood, CA. He will truly be missed by his wife: Joanna Polanco; Children: Anthony Wheaton, Angela Wheaton, Christopher Polanco & Melodie Polanco & his parents: Altagracia Polanco & Socrates (Myriam) Polanco. He leaves his legacy on this earth through his 2 grandchildren Dominic Allen & Christopher Princeton Polanco. Johnny is also survived by his siblings: Rudy Polanco, Ruben (Mary) Polanco & Milagros Urrutia.

Johnny, your legacy will continue in your music, you will be deeply missed.