Willie Colon, renowned for his role in shaping urban salsa music and a dedicated social activist, passed away on Saturday at the age of 75.
Over his extensive career, the trombonist, composer, arranger, and vocalist released upwards of 40 albums, amassing over 30 million sales worldwide.
His collaborations spanned a diverse range of artists, including Fania All Stars, David Byrne, and the legendary Celia Cruz.
Colón’s celebrated partnership with Rubén Blades resulted in “Siembra,” which is considered one of the top-selling salsa albums ever. Together, they infused social themes into their music, making significant cultural statements.
His family and manager shared the news of his passing through social media.
“Willy didn’t just transform salsa; he expanded its horizons, infusing it with political context and grounding it in urban narratives, presenting it in ways previously unheard,” remarked his manager, Pietro Carlos. “His trombone served as the people’s voice, echoing Caribbean influences in New York, connecting two cultures.”
With ten Grammy nominations and one Latin Grammy nod, Colón created hits like “El gran varón,” “Sin poderte hablar,” “Casanova,” “Amor verdad,” and “Oh, qué será.”
Blaise shared the “incredible news” on X and extended condolences to Colón’s family.
The journey to trombone and fame
Born in the Bronx, Colón was raised by his grandmother and aunt. They introduced him to traditional Puerto Rican music and the characteristic rhythms of Latin America from an early age.
He began his musical journey at 11, initially on the flute before transitioning through various brass instruments, eventually settling on the trombone as salsa music began to emerge.
His fascination with the trombone ignited when he heard Barry Rogers perform with Joe Cotto on Mon Rivera’s “Dolores.” He described the sound as uniquely powerful, evoking connections to wild animals, which inspired him to take up the instrument.
At 17, he joined a group of artists forming Fania Records, a pivotal label in the development of salsa in New York.
Colón differentiated himself with a musical approach that melded jazz, rock, funk, soul, and R&B with traditional Latin styles, creating a rich rhythmic tapestry.
His contributions to music earned him a special Grammy Award in 2004, recognizing his legacy and influence.
Community leader and activist
In addition to his musical achievements, Colón emerged as a civil rights advocate. He was involved in several organizations, including the Hispanic Arts Association and the Latino Commission on AIDS.
Yale University honored him with the Chubb Fellowship in 1991, a distinction shared with notable figures like John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.
Politically, he worked as a special assistant under New York’s first Black mayor, David Dinkins, and later as an advisor to Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Despite his activism, Colón faced challenges in running for office, notably finishing third against then-Rep. Eliot Engel in the 1994 Democratic primary and struggling in a 2001 primary for public defender.
He expressed support for Hillary Clinton in 2008 but switched to Donald Trump in 2016.
Colón’s career was not without controversy; he had public disputes with fellow artists and political figures. His friendship with Blaze soured in 2003 after a lawsuit regarding a concert, and he was outspoken against then-President of Venezuela Hugo Chávez on social media.
He made appearances in various films, including “Vigilante” and in shows like “Miami Vice.” More recently, he was featured in Bad Bunny’s music video for “NuevaYol.”
Colón is survived by his wife and four sons.
