Willie Colón, salsa music pioneer, dies at 75

The Grammy-nominated trombonist, composer and activist was known for his socially conscious lyrics and collaborations with artists like Rubén Blades.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Willie Colón, the Grammy-nominated architect of urban salsa music and social activist, died Saturday at the age of 75. Over his decades-long career, Colón produced more than 40 albums that sold over 30 million copies worldwide, collaborating with a wide range of artists including the Fania All Stars, David Byrne, and Celia Cruz. His celebrated collaboration with Rubén Blades, 'Siembra,' became one of the bestselling salsa albums of all time.

Why it matters

Colón was a pioneering figure in the development of salsa music, helping to expand the genre and make it a platform for addressing social issues. As a community leader and activist, he fought for civil rights and served in advisory roles for several New York City mayors. His passing marks the end of an era for Latin music and social justice.

The details

Born in the Bronx, Colón started playing the trombone at age 11 and joined the Fania Records label at 17, helping to shape the new 'salsa' sound emerging in New York. He was known for fusing Latin rhythms with jazz, rock, funk, and R&B. Colón had public clashes with artists and politicians over the years, including a lawsuit against his longtime collaborator Rubén Blades.

  • Colón died on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • In 2004, the Latin Recording Academy awarded Colón a special Grammy for his career and contributions to music.

The players

Willie Colón

A Grammy-nominated trombonist, composer, arranger and singer who was a pioneering figure in the development of urban salsa music and a social activist.

Rubén Blades

A longtime collaborator of Colón's, known for addressing social issues through their music. Their album 'Siembra' became one of the bestselling salsa albums of all time.

Jerry Masucci

The co-founder of Fania Records, the label that helped shape the new 'salsa' sound in New York and launched Colón's career.

Johnny Pacheco

The co-founder of Fania Records who worked closely with Colón and other artists to develop the salsa genre.

David Dinkins

The former mayor of New York City, for whom Colón served as a special assistant.

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What they’re saying

“Willie didn't just change salsa; he expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles, and took it to stages where it hadn't been heard before. His trombone was the voice of the people, an echo of the Caribbean in New York, a bridge between two cultures.”

— Pietro Carlos, Colón's manager (Social media)

“I confirm what I was reluctant to believe.”

— Rubén Blades (X (social platform)

The takeaway

Colón's passing marks the end of an era for Latin music and social justice. As a pioneering figure in salsa, he expanded the genre's reach and used it as a platform to address important social issues. His collaborations, activism, and musical legacy have left an indelible mark on the industry and the communities he served.