Renowned Salsa Musician Willie Colón Passes Away at 75

Willie Colón, the influential trombonist and composer who helped shape salsa music, has died at age 75. The Bronx-born musician of Puerto Rican heritage began his career as a teenager and went on to record dozens of albums while blending jazz, rock, and traditional Latin rhythms.

Celebrated salsa musician Willie Colón passed away Saturday at the age of 75, according to a statement from his family.

His relatives shared their grief on Colón’s social media page, writing: “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.”

The family has not revealed what caused his death.

Colón, who was born in the Bronx to parents from Puerto Rico, created numerous albums throughout his career, including notable releases like “La Gran Fuga” (The Big Break) from 1970 and “El Juicio” from 1972, as documented by Fania Records, a label known for promoting salsa artists.

The musician began his professional journey early, joining Fania Records when he was just 15 years old. By 1967, at age 17, he had released his debut album “El Malo,” which went on to sell over 300,000 copies, according to information from the LA Philharmonic’s website.

His musical style was distinctive for blending jazz, rock, and salsa elements while drawing from traditional sounds of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Africa, his official biography notes.

According to the LA Philharmonic, Colón’s work carried deep cultural meaning: “A significant overarching theme in Colón’s music—which draws from many cultures and several different styles—is an exploration of the competing associations that Puerto Ricans have with their home and with the United States.”

The biography further explained: “He uses his songs to depict and investigate the problems of living in the U.S. as a Puerto Rican and also to imply the cultural contributions that Puerto Ricans have to offer.”

In recognition of his contributions to Latin music, Colón received a lifetime achievement award in 2004 from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Beyond music, Colón was deeply committed to social causes, serving with organizations including the Latino Commission on AIDS and the United Nations Immigrant Foundation, while also holding a board position at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.