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Polito Vega, the legendary personality who dominated Spanish-language music radio in New York City for many years on La Mega 97.9, passed away at the age of 84. While his station did not provide an official cause of death, they expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of their beloved colleague. In a heartfelt Instagram post, La Mega 97.9 paid tribute to Vega’s remarkable legacy in the world of radio and the impact he had on countless listeners. Nicknamed “El Rey de la Radio,” Vega was an influential figure in New York City’s Spanish radio scene for over 50 years, with more than two decades spent as a host on La Mega. His popular weekend shows, “Salsa Con Polito” on Saturdays and “Clásicos Sundays,” were a staple for many who sought uplifting vibes and exceptional music. In the wake of his passing, Colombian artist Alex Sensation expressed his gratitude to Vega for all that he had done while bidding farewell to the king of Spanish-language radio.
Polito Vega, a true icon in the world of radio, has left us for the heavenly abode. With a career spanning more than half a century, Vega’s impact on the radio industry was immeasurable, touching the lives of countless individuals. Sadly, the legendary broadcaster passed away on Thursday, March 9th, 2024, and although the exact cause of his demise has not been disclosed by his family and close associates, tributes from all over the world continue to pour in. People are not only mourning the loss of a great radio personality but also celebrating his unwavering passion and joy for music, which made him an integral part of many people’s daily routines.
Polito’s contributions to the Latin music scene were nothing short of remarkable, thanks to his exceptional work on the airwaves and his involvement in live events such as salsa concerts at Madison Square Garden, which he co-organized with renowned promoter Ralph Mercado. Additionally, his Thursday night Latin Quarters gigs and outdoor concerts known as Las Maquinas drew diverse crowds to enjoy performances by some of the finest Latin musicians of the time. Although the exact cause of his death remains unknown to his family and acquaintances, Polito’s legacy will undoubtedly live on. For now, we can only speculate about the circumstances surrounding his passing and wait for his family to release a formal statement.
Polito Vega was a trailblazer in the radio industry, having begun his illustrious career at the tender age of 17 as an announcer at a local Puerto Rican station. He later moved to New York City and took a job at WKDM in Spanish Harlem, where he worked until 1967 before joining WADO-AM, the first 24-hour Spanish-language radio station in the United States. It was during his tenure at WADO-AM that Polito gained a reputation as a pioneering figure in Spanish-language radio broadcasting. Throughout his career, he worked at several stations in New York City before eventually finding a home at WBGO-FM in 1986. There, he hosted a popular salsa music program every Thursday night for more than two decades, cementing his status as a beloved radio personality.
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