Willie Colón, Pioneer and King of Salsa, Dies in New York at Age 75

The world of Latin music is in mourning following the death of Willie Colón, who passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 75. The artist died in the New York area after battling health complications, although the exact cause and location of death were not officially specified in the announcement. The news of the master's passing was confirmed by his manager Pietro Carlos and a post on the musician's official profile, attributed to his closest family. Colón, born in the Bronx to a family of Puerto Rican immigrants, was a central figure in the Nuyorican movement and one of the most influential innovators of the genre. Colón's career spanned over half a century and was characterized by remarkable courage in experimentation. As a bandleader and trombonist, he introduced elements of jazz, rock, and African and Brazilian rhythms into salsa. His "bad boy" image ("El Malo") became a pop culture icon of the eighties. A breakthrough moment was his collaboration with Rubén Blades, with whom he released the album "Siembra" in 1978. This record, containing the track "Pedro Navaja," remains one of the best-selling releases in the genre's history. Colón was also highly regarded as a producer and arranger, lending a unique sound to recordings by such icons as Héctor Lavoe and Celia Cruz. Salsa as a genre crystallized in New York's Latino neighborhoods in the mid-1960s, forming a cultural melting pot where traditional Cuban rhythms like son and mambo met the modern energy of the American metropolis.„It is through music that I talk with my ancestors and pass hope to those who will come after us.” — Willie Colón In addition to his artistic work, Willie Colón was an active social and political activist, involved in issues affecting the Latino community in the United States. For his body of work, he received, among other honors, the prestigious Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Although he is widely associated with hits like "Idilio" and "Gitana," it should be remembered that in these cases he primarily performed as a brilliant interpreter and producer, giving them an immortal flair, while the compositions were the work of other creators. His death closes a chapter in the history of music that he himself once defined. 40 — albums released by Willie Colón during his career The Fania Records label, with which Colón was associated, is often called the "Latin Motown" due to its key role in commercializing and globally promoting salsa in the 1970s.„It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and renowned musician, Willie Colón.” — Willie Colón's Family Key Figures of Salsa: Willie Colón: Trombone Pioneer, Héctor Lavoe: Legendary Voice, Rubén Blades: Salsa Intellectual, Celia Cruz: Queen of Salsa, Johnny Pacheco: Founder of Fania