Willie Colontrombonist, composer, orchestra director and one of the great pioneers of salsa, died on February 21 at the age of seventy-five.
In their own words, the family reported this weekend the death of their beloved husband, father and renowned musician, Willie Colon. “He left peacefully this morning, accompanied by his loving family. Although we are deeply sorry for his departure, we celebrate the eternal legacy of his music and the fond memories he leaves us, which will last forever,” says the statement released by his loved ones.
The American artist of Puerto Rican descent had been hospitalized days ago at Lawrence Hospital, in Bronxville, due to cardiac and respiratory complications.
Born April 28, 1950, Willie Colon He is recognized as the promoter of urban salsa, something supported by emblematic songs such as “Idilio” and “Gitana”. The son of Puerto Rican parents, he grew up in the South Bronx, in an environment crossed by Latin migration, neighborhood life and Caribbean sounds. Throughout his career, Colon He not only stood out as a trombonist, but also as a composer, producer and arranger who was fundamental in the consolidation of New York salsa. With a raw and urban sound proposal, lyrics that portrayed neighborhood life and an innovative vision of arrangements, his work expanded the margins of Latin music and projected it to new audiences in America and Europe.
Aside from his solo career, Colón worked with other greats of the genre such as Héctor Lavoe or Rubén Blades, although in both cases there ended up being personal conflicts between the musicians.
