music
February 22, 2026
‘One of the legends’: Bad Bunny joins tributes to US salsa pioneer Willie Colón
Puerto Rican rapper speaks at concert of Colón’s influence after trombonist, vocalist and composer dies aged 75
TL;DR
- Willie Colón, a renowned trombonist, vocalist, and composer, has died at 75.
- He is celebrated as one of the most successful salsa artists with over 30 million albums sold and multiple Grammy nominations.
- Stars like Bad Bunny and Jerry Rivera have paid tribute, emphasizing Colón's vast influence on Caribbean music and the salsa genre.
- Colón's music blended jazz, rock, and salsa with traditional rhythms, and he was known for his 'streetwise and elegant' sound.
- His career began at 15 with Fania Records, and he released influential albums such as 'El Malo,' 'La Gran Fuga,' and 'Siembra' with Rubén Blades.
- Colón received a lifetime achievement award in 2004 and was inducted into multiple Latin music halls of fame.
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