Salsa Icon Willie Colón Passes Away at 75
Feb 21, 2026, 10:15 PM
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TL;DR
Renowned trombonist and bandleader Willie Colón, a key figure in salsa music, has passed away at the age of 75. Known for his collaborations with Rubén Blades and his breakthrough 1967 album 'El Malo,' Colón's career spanned nearly six decades.
Willie Colón, a prominent figure in the world of salsa music, passed away at the age of 75. The announcement was made by his family on social media. Colón was raised in the South Bronx by his Puerto Rican grandmother and discovered music at an early age. His first album, 'El Malo,' released in 1967, became a cornerstone of his long-standing career. Celebrated for the innovative mix of Latin and American musical influences, he achieved global fame with albums like 'Siembra,' created in collaboration with Rubén Blades. Throughout his life, Colón worked with many significant figures in Latin music and received numerous accolades for his contributions. In later years, he embraced reggaeton, seeing it as a continuation of salsa's rebellious spirit.
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