US salsa legend Willie Colón, vocalist, trombonist and composer, dies aged 75 | US news
Pioneering trombonist, vocalist and composer Willie Colón died Saturday at the age of 75, his family said.
With more than 30 million albums sold, multiple platinum records, and 11 Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations, Colón is among the most successful salsa artists of all time.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
The family said on Colón’s Facebook page: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father and famous musician, Willie Colón. He passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by his beloved family.
“While we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the precious memories he created that will live on forever.
“Our family is deeply grateful for your prayers and support during this time of mourning. We please ask for privacy as we process our grief.”
Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Colón recorded dozens of albums, including 1970’s La Gran Fuga (The Big Break) and 1972’s El Juicio.
At the age of 15, she signed with Fania Records, a record label promoting salsa music. Two years later, in 1967, he released his first album, El Malo, which sold more than 300,000 copies, according to his biography on the LA Philharmonic website.
Colón’s music combined elements of jazz, rock, and salsa, incorporating the rhythms of the traditional music of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Africa.
His longtime manager Pietro Carlos wrote on Facebook: “Willie didn’t just change the salsa.
“He expanded it, politicized it, imbued it with urban histories, and took it to levels where it had never been before. His trombone was the voice of the people.”
The artist’s list of genre-defining songs includes Ché Ché Colé and Aguanilé, recorded with Héctor Lavoe on vocals.
Her 1978 album Siembra, recorded with Rubén Blades, included the hit Pedro Navaja and remains the best-selling salsa album of all time.
Fania Records said in a statement: “Today we bow our heads as the world mourns the loss of the incomparable Willie Colón, one of the greatest artists of our time: legendary trombonist, visionary composer, master arranger, soulful singer, courageous producer, fearless director and tireless innovator.
“We are heartbroken at the passing of an icon whose voice transcended dance floors and defined an era. A cornerstone of Fania Records, Willie helped bring Latin music from the streets of New York to audiences around the world.
“His music declared identity, pride, resistance, and joy. His music wasn’t just heard; it was lived.”
“Willie was so much more than an iconic artist; he was a true visionary who created a new genre of Latin music called Salsa that we all love today,” said Bruce McIntosh, Vice President of Latin Catalog at Craft Recordings.
“His legacy is engraved in the soul of Latin culture. He will forever remain ‘El Maestro.'”
In 2004, Colón received a lifetime achievement award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Billboard magazine named the musician one of the 30 most influential Latin artists of all time in 2015.
He was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019.
