music
February 23, 2026
Willie Colon was an explosive energy source who took salsa into the stratosphere
With his gangster image, Colon ruffled the feathers of the musical establishment, but thrilled millions of fans as he displayed the raw rhythmic possibility of salsa
TL;DR
- Willie Colón, a Nuyorican salsa pioneer, died at 75.
- He transformed salsa with a raw, energetic sound and a gangster image.
- Colón achieved huge success in Latin America, though less so in the US Top 40.
- He was a founding member of the Fania All-Stars and collaborated with Rubén Blades.
- Their album 'Siembra' is considered the bestselling salsa album of all time.
- Colón later became involved in politics and supported Donald Trump.
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