Willie Colón, Pioneering Salsa Trombonist, Dies At 75

Pitchfork

by Hattie Lindert

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Willie Colón, a legendary trombonist, bandleader, composer, and key figure in the development of salsa music, passed away at the age of 75. Born in The Bronx to Puerto Rican heritage, Colón was introduced to Latin sounds by his grandmother, which sparked his early passion for music. He began playing instruments like flute, bugle, and trumpet before finding his calling with the trombone after being inspired by Barry Rogers' performance on "Dolores." By 17, he signed with Fania Records, where he became instrumental in shaping salsa's sound—fusing Latin rhythms with funk, jazz, and R&B—and giving it activist undertones. His collaborations with artists like Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, Celia Cruz, and Tito Puente solidified his influence, with their 1978 album *Siembra* being a defining masterpiece in Latin music history. Colón's career extended beyond music; he was politically active, ran for Congress in 1994, and worked as a liaison for New York City’s Latin Media and Entertainment Commission. He also appeared in films and TV shows, further cementing his cultural impact. Later in life, he recognized the parallels between salsa's emergence and reggaeton's rise, emphasizing the importance of innovation in music. His legacy was celebrated by tributes from artists like Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, and Marc Anthony, who praised him for bringing Latin music to global audiences. Willie Colón’s influence on Latin music is immeasurable. He not only shaped salsa but also inspired future generations of musicians across genres. His ability to blend traditional rhythms with modern influences demonstrated the power of cultural exchange and innovation in music. As a

Verticals

musicculture

Originally published on Pitchfork on 2/22/2026