Willie Colón, Trailblazer of Nuyorican Salsa, Dies at 75

Willie Colón, a pioneering force in salsa music and a central figure in the Nuyorican movement, has died at 75, his family announced Saturday.

In a statement posted to his Facebook account, his family said he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and renowned musician, Willie Colón,” the statement read. “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 family asked for privacy as they mourn.

Born April 28, 1950, in the South Bronx neighborhood of New York City, Colón emerged as one of the architects of the Nuyorican salsa sound — a vibrant blend of Caribbean rhythms and New York street culture created by Puerto Rican musicians living in the city.

Colón began his career at just 16 years old when he recorded the album El Malo with singer Héctor Lavoe. The record marked the start of a landmark partnership on Fania Records, the label that helped bring salsa music to international audiences.

Together, Colón and Lavoe became one of salsa’s most influential duos. Their 1969 hit “Che Ché Colé” is widely regarded as a turning point in Latin music, helping to define the sound of modern salsa. Colón’s bold trombone arrangements and streetwise production style set him apart from his contemporaries.

Over the years, the duo popularized songs including “Calle Luna, Calle Sol,” “Abuelita,” “Ghana’e,” “El día de mi suerte,” “La murga” and “Juana Peña.”

After his partnership with Lavoe ended, Colón launched a solo singing career in the late 1970s. He released albums such as The Good, the Bad, the Ugly in 1976 and Solo in 1988. Over the course of his career, he recorded more than 40 albums.

Colón earned nine gold records and five platinum records and sold more than 8 million albums worldwide. He received eight Grammy Award nominations in the tropical music category.

He also collaborated with prominent artists, including Rubén Blades and Celia Cruz, expanding his influence across generations of Latin musicians.

Beyond music, Colón was active in social and political causes, particularly within Latino communities in New York. He endorsed political candidates and used his platform to advocate for civic engagement.

Colón also appeared in several film and television productions, including the crime drama series Miami Vice.

For many fans, Colón’s legacy lies not only in his commercial success but also in the cultural identity he helped shape. His music gave voice to a generation of Puerto Ricans in New York and played a key role in bringing salsa to a global stage.

He is survived by his family, who said his music and memory will endure.