Willie Colón, a legendary figure in the world of salsa music, passed away on February 21 at the age of 75. His longtime manager, Pietro Carlos, shared the news on social media, highlighting Colón’s transformative impact on the salsa genre. “Willie didn’t just change salsa,” Carlos wrote. “He expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles and took it to stages where it hadn’t been before. His trombone was the voice of the people.”
Colón’s journey began in the South Bronx, where he faced a challenging upbringing. Despite these difficulties, he became a masterful performer, seamlessly merging the rhythms of his Puerto Rican heritage with the influences of New York’s jazz and funk scenes. He emerged as a defining figure in salsa music during the 1970s, a true quadruple threat—he wrote, arranged, produced, and played the trombone, making significant contributions to the genre.
At just 15, Colón signed with Fania Records, quickly capturing the attention of founders Johnny Pacheco and Jerry Masucci. He produced not only his solo projects but also those of fellow artists, including the iconic Héctor Lavoe. Colón’s influential catalog includes classics like “Ché Ché Colé,” “Aguanile,” and the groundbreaking album “Siembra,” which features the timeless hit “Pedro Navaja” and remains the best-selling salsa album in history.
In addition to his musical achievements, Colón introduced key talents to the salsa scene, most notably Ruben Blades, with whom he recorded multiple albums. Their collaboration began with “Metiendo Mano,” showcasing their commitment to creating socially conscious music that resonated deeply with the realities of urban life.
Colón’s life was as colorful as his music, encompassing ventures in politics, art, and film. He often reflected on his tough neighborhood roots, explaining how his experiences shaped his artistic expression. “I came from a really tough neighborhood,” he noted in a past interview. “This was kind of a way of symbolically showing the world what was going on.”
Born to Puerto Rican parents, Colón’s musical journey started with a trumpet gifted by his grandmother at age 11, leading him to form his own band by his teenage years. His early exposure to music paved the way for a career that spanned over four decades and produced more than 40 studio albums, influencing generations of musicians.
Colón’s legacy continues to resonate, recently inspiring the acclaimed 2024 album “Cosa Nuestra” by Rauw Alejandro, which draws its name and concept from his own 1970 album—abundant with the visual style associated with Colón’s unique artistic identity.
Throughout his life, Colón remained dedicated to his craft, stating, “I only cared about the music.” His impact on salsa has been recognized in multiple ways, including his induction into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2000, a lifetime achievement award from The Latin Recording Academy in 2004, and his entrance into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019. As the world remembers Willie Colón, it celebrates a titan whose influence on music and culture will endure for years to come.