Salsa Pioneer Willie Colón Dies at 75, Leaving Polarizing Legacy

The unapologetically pro-police, MAGA-supporting musician was a founding father of the salsa genre.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Nuyorican music icon Willie Colón, a pioneer of the salsa genre, passed away in New York at the age of 75. Colón was known for his political contrarianism, anti-communism, and support for law enforcement, in addition to his influential musical career. He collaborated with iconic artists like Héctor Lavoe and Rubén Blades, and entered the police academy at age 64, serving as a deputy before retiring in 2020.

Why it matters

Colón's life and music reflected the complex, often overlooked experiences of working-class Hispanic Americans in the 1970s Bronx. His political views, which included support for President Trump, set him apart from many of his peers in the Latin music world, highlighting the diversity of perspectives within the Hispanic community.

The details

Colón, born in the South Bronx in 1950, signed with Fania Records at age 15 and helped develop the salsa genre through his collaborations with artists like Lavoe and Blades. He also established himself as a political voice, running for Congress as a Democrat in 1994 and being an early activist for HIV/AIDS victims. In his later years, Colón became an outspoken supporter of law enforcement and critic of left-wing politics, including condemning socialism and enthusiastically supporting President Trump's reelection in 2024.

  • Colón was born in the South Bronx in 1950.
  • Colón signed with Fania Records at age 15 in 1965.
  • Colón ran for Congress as a Democrat in 1994.
  • Colón entered the police academy at age 64 in 2014.
  • Colón retired from law enforcement in 2020.

The players

Willie Colón

A Nuyorican music icon, activist, and retired law enforcement officer who was a pioneer of the salsa genre.

Héctor Lavoe

An iconic Puerto Rican-born singer who collaborated extensively with Colón.

Rubén Blades

A Panamanian artist who collaborated with Colón on the influential salsa album "Siembra".

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whom Colón enthusiastically supported in his later years.

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican singer who paid tribute to Colón's legacy in his music, despite Colón's criticism of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show performance.

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What they’re saying

“Grateful for his music, on a loop in this house always.”

— Lin-Manuel Miranda (Instagram)

“Master, thank you for your legacy. Your music will live forever.”

— Marc Anthony (Instagram)

“Willie Colón/they call me the bad one [el malo, the title of Colón first album], because the years pass and I keep making hits.”

— Bad Bunny (Song Lyrics)

What’s next

Bad Bunny is expected to further honor Colón's legacy during his upcoming concerts and musical projects.

The takeaway

Colón's life and work embodied the complex, often overlooked experiences of working-class Hispanic Americans, while his political views set him apart from many of his peers in the Latin music world. His enduring legacy as a salsa pioneer and his willingness to embrace controversial positions highlight the diversity of perspectives within the Hispanic community.