Willie Colón, the renowned musician and composer, passed away on Saturday, confirmed by his family on social media. This week, the artistic community rallied for prayers as Colón was hospitalized due to reported respiratory complications.
Born on April 28, 1950, in the South Bronx, New York, Colón was a multifaceted artist with Puerto Rican roots, celebrated as a poet, composer, arranger, performer, folklorist, trombonist, producer, and musical director. Influenced by his grandmother, Antonia (“Toña”), he embraced his Puerto Rican identity and learned to speak Spanish, a language that had faded from the everyday lives of his parents during their upbringing in New York.
At just 16 years old, he recorded his first album, “El malo,” alongside Héctor Lavoe in 1967, and the pair would become a defining duo in the salsa music scene with Fania Records. Lavoe introduced Colón to the bold themes of street life and musical lessons that would shape his career. Colón’s formal musical education began with a clandestine flute from elementary school, followed by the clarion, which he mastered at a young age. By 13, he had also taken up the trumpet, perfectly positioning himself for a future that would leave a lasting impact on music history.
Colón’s hit “Che ché colé” in 1969 played a pivotal role in popularizing Afro-Caribbean music across Latin America, defying initial resistance and becoming a salsa classic. Alongside Lavoe, Colón popularized several tracks such as “Calle Luna, calle Sol,” “Abuelita,” and “Ghana’e.”
In 1976, Colón pushed the boundaries of traditional salsa with his production of “El baquiné de los angelitos negros,” marking the beginning of his symphonic salsa era. After parting ways with Lavoe, he embarked on a solo career, producing significant works like “The Good, Bad and The Ugly” and “Solo.”
He also introduced Rubén Blades on the album “Metiendo mano” in 1977, leading to iconic collaborations like “Maestra vida” and “Canciones del solar de los aburridos.” Over his illustrious career, Colón recorded more than 40 albums, earning nine Gold and five Platinum records, and selling over eight million copies worldwide. His collaborations with Lavoe, Blades, and Celia Cruz remain etched in music history.
Colón’s career as a solo artist began in 1979, and he received eight Grammy nominations in tropical music. He also made appearances in film and television, including roles in “Vigilante,” “Salsa,” and the series “Miami Vice.”
Apart from his musical achievements, Colón was a prominent activist, with a voice that resonated in the socio-political landscape of New York’s Latino communities. His endorsement was highly sought after by politicians, and his words carried as much weight as his music.
Passionate about aviation, boxing, horseback riding, and programming, Colón was a staunch self-educator, diving into subjects from physics to business management. He is survived by three of his four children, whom he had with his wife, Julia Colón Craig.
Colón’s last concert in Puerto Rico took place on August 9, 2025, where he performed to a full house in San Juan alongside the Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Ángel ‘Cucco’ Peña. His contributions to music and culture have left an indelible mark, ensuring his legacy will endure for generations to come.