Willie Colón, Salsa Music Legend, Dies at 75
Willie Colón, a legendary salsa musician who played a pivotal role in the Nuyorican salsa movement, died Saturday, his family confirmed in a statement posted to his Facebook account. He was 75.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and renowned musician, Willie Colón. He passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by his loving family,” the statement reads. “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 statement continued: “Our family is deeply grateful for your prayers and support during this time of mourning. We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate our grief.”
Born on April 28, 1950, in the South Bronx neighborhood of New York City, Colón began his career with his first album, “El Malo,” recorded with vocalist Héctor Lavoe at just 16 years old. The two went on to form a salsa duo on the Fania record label and have been credited with revolutionizing Latin music as a genre; in 1969, their song “Che Ché Colé” is regarded as an especially pivotal moment.
Alongside Lavoe, orchestrations by Colón popularized songs like “Calle Luna, calle Sol,” “Abuelita,” “Ah, ah, oh, no,” “Ghana’e,” “El día de mi suerte,” “La murga” and “Juana Peña,” among others. Following the pair’s partnership, Colón launched his singing career in the late 1970s with albums including “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly” in 1976 and “Solo” in 1988. His discography includes more than 40 albums.
Colón earned nine gold records and five platinum records over the course of his career, selling more than eight million records worldwide. The musician also collaborated with other artists, including Rubén Blades and Celia Cruz. He was nominated for eight Grammy Awards in the tropical music category.
In addition to his prowess as a musician, Colón was also an avid sociopolitical activist, lending his voice to endorse New York politicians and on the stages of Latino neighborhoods. The musician also made appearances in a range of film and television productions, including “Vigilante,” “The Last Fight,” “Salsa,” “Miami Vice” and “La Intrusa.”
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and renowned musician, Willie Colón. He passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by his loving family,” the statement reads. “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 statement continued: “Our family is deeply grateful for your prayers and support during this time of mourning. We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate our grief.”
Born on April 28, 1950, in the South Bronx neighborhood of New York City, Colón began his career with his first album, “El Malo,” recorded with vocalist Héctor Lavoe at just 16 years old. The two went on to form a salsa duo on the Fania record label and have been credited with revolutionizing Latin music as a genre; in 1969, their song “Che Ché Colé” is regarded as an especially pivotal moment.
Alongside Lavoe, orchestrations by Colón popularized songs like “Calle Luna, calle Sol,” “Abuelita,” “Ah, ah, oh, no,” “Ghana’e,” “El día de mi suerte,” “La murga” and “Juana Peña,” among others. Following the pair’s partnership, Colón launched his singing career in the late 1970s with albums including “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly” in 1976 and “Solo” in 1988. His discography includes more than 40 albums.
Colón earned nine gold records and five platinum records over the course of his career, selling more than eight million records worldwide. The musician also collaborated with other artists, including Rubén Blades and Celia Cruz. He was nominated for eight Grammy Awards in the tropical music category.
In addition to his prowess as a musician, Colón was also an avid sociopolitical activist, lending his voice to endorse New York politicians and on the stages of Latino neighborhoods. The musician also made appearances in a range of film and television productions, including “Vigilante,” “The Last Fight,” “Salsa,” “Miami Vice” and “La Intrusa.”