A pioneering figure in salsa music has died, his family announced Sunday, February 22, 2026. He was 75 years old.
“He passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by his loving family,” a statement from his relatives read, without disclosing the cause of death. “As we mourn his loss, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the precious memories he created that will live on forever,” the family added.
Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, the musician was a leading figure in the genre that flourished in Latest York during the 1960s, a vibrant fusion of jazz and Afro-Cuban music. His perform helped lay the foundation for the global popularity of salsa music.
He began his musical journey playing the trumpet at age 12, later switching to the trombone.
In 1967, at just 17 years old, he released his debut album, “El Malo,” on the renowned Fania label, quickly becoming one of the label’s biggest stars and a key force in popularizing the genre worldwide.
A trombonist, arranger, and producer, he also collaborated on albums with Cuban singer Celia Cruz, widely regarded as the “Queen of Salsa.”
He also enjoyed a long and fruitful working relationship with Panamanian singer Ruben Blades, who is two years his senior, another major star in the salsa world.
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny recently paid tribute to Willie Colon – and his album “‘El Malo'” – in his hit song “NUVEAYoL,” a nod to the Latino communities of New York.
