Salsa pioneer Willie Colon dies at 75, family confirms

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Legendary salsa pioneer Willie Colon has died at the age of 75, his family confirmed on the morning of Saturday, February 21. The celebrated trombonist and composer died peacefully, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.

The announcement came via a statement posted to his official Facebook page, marking the end of a six-decade career that helped shape modern salsa music and bring Latin sounds to a global audience.

Family says Willie Colon 'departed peacefully' 

In an emotional message, Colon’s family shared their grief while also honoring his lasting musical legacy.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and renowned musician, Willie Colon,” the statement read. “He departed peacefully this morning, surrounded by his loving family.”

They added, “Although we mourn his absence, we also rejoice in the eternal gift of his music and the cherished memories it created, which will live on forever.”

Born William Anthony Colon Roman on April 28, 1950, in the Bronx, Colon embraced his Puerto Rican roots early in life, learning Spanish from his grandmother Antonia. 

Willie Colon, a teenage prodigy who reshaped salsa

Colon’s journey into music began remarkably young. While still in elementary school, he experimented with instruments, including the flute and bugle. By age 13, he had picked up the trumpet and started formal lessons, laying the foundation for his distinctive style.

His professional breakthrough came at just 16 years old with the 1967 album ‘El Malo’, created alongside Hector Lavoe. The partnership quickly became one of the most influential in salsa history and a cornerstone act for Fania Records.

Lavoe played a key mentoring role, encouraging the young musician to experiment boldly with instrumentation and song structure.

The duo later delivered the 1969 classic “Che Che Cole” from ‘Cosa Nuestra’, blending Afro-Caribbean influences with Puerto Rican rhythms — a sound that helped fuel salsa’s explosion in popularity during the 1970s.

Willie Colon's groundbreaking collaborations and global success

Colon continued pushing musical boundaries throughout the decade. In 1976, he ventured into symphonic territory with the ballet ‘El Baquine de Los Angelitos Negros’, showcasing his experimental edge.

Another defining chapter came through his partnership with Ruben Blades. Their early collaboration on 1977’s ‘Metiendo Mano!’ hinted at their chemistry, but it was the follow-up that made history.

Their 1978 album ‘Siembra’ topped Rolling Stone’s Best Salsa Albums list and became the best-selling salsa album of all time, holding the record for decades.

By the late 1970s, Colon had branched into a solo career while also exploring film and television. Over the years, he released more than 40 albums, earned nine Gold and five Platinum records, and sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, according to Fania.

His wide-ranging discography included collaborations with artists such as Celia Cruz, David Byrne, Soledad Bravo, and Ismael Miranda.

Tributes honor Willie Colon as a defining musical force

Following news of his death, Fania Records released a powerful tribute honoring Colon’s influence.

“Today we bow our heads as the world mourns the loss one of the greatest artists of our time - the incomparable Willie Colón: legendary trombonist, visionary composer, master arranger, emotive singer, bold producer, fearless director, and tireless innovator,” the label said.

The statement continued: “We are heartbroken by the passing of an icon whose sound transcended the dance floor and defined an era. A pillar of Fania Records, Willie helped bring Latin music from the streets of New York to audiences around the world. His music declared identity, pride, resistance, and joy. His music was not just heard; it was lived.”

Colon, who later became known as a sociopolitical activist, was nominated for eight Grammy Awards and received the Latin Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.