Legendary salsa musician Willie Colón, known as a pioneering trombonist, vocalist, and composer, passed away on Saturday at the age of 75, his family announced. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Colón became one of the defining voices of urban salsa. He signed with Fania Records at just 15 and released his first album, El Malo, in 1967, which sold over 300,000 copies. He went on to record iconic albums including La Gran Fuga (1970) and El Juicio (1972), blending jazz, rock, and traditional rhythms from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Africa.
Colón’s music often explored the Puerto Rican experience in the United States, highlighting both the struggles and cultural contributions of the community. Beyond his musical legacy, he was a committed social activist, serving on the Latino Commission on AIDS, the United Nations Immigrant Foundation, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
In 2004, Colón was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. His family remembered him fondly, saying, “While we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories he created that will live on forever.”
Colón’s influence on salsa and Latin music will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike, cementing his place as an enduring icon of the genre.
Check out our latest article: Tkachuk: U.S.-Canada Rivalry ‘Full of Hatred’ Ahead of Olympic Final
