(February 21, 2026Tonight we say a sad goodbye to pioneering trombonist, composer, producer, and bandleader Willie Colón. Born to Puerto Rican parents, he South Bronx native began recording at age 16 and, through his unique trombone stylings, went on to become one of the leading salsa artists in the world.
Colón’s longtime label, Fania Records, summarized his career beautifully in a statement made today:
Today we bow our heads as the world mourns the loss one of the greatest artists of our time—the incomparable Willie Colón: legendary trombonist, visionary composer, master arranger, emotive singer, bold producer, fearless director, and tireless innovator.
We are heartbroken by the passing of an icon whose sound transcended the dance floor and defined an era. A pillar of Fania Records, Willie helped bring Latin music from the streets of New York to audiences around the world. His music declared identity, pride, resistance, and joy. His music was not just heard; it was lived.
Willie Colón was born and raised in the heart of the Bronx’s vibrant Latin community. Drawing deeply from his surroundings, he channeled the rhythm of the streets, the poetry of everyday survival, the ache of teen angst, and the fierce hope of a people determined to be seen—all of which found a home in his sound. From those roots grew a profound devotion to culture, heritage, and truth. He did not simply represent his community; he amplified it.
Willie Colón’s genius announced itself early—his first contract was signed by his mother when he was just sixteen—and it never stopped evolving. From his groundbreaking debut El Malo (1967) to the raw brilliance of his unforgettable collaborations with Héctor Lavoe and Rubén Blades, his role in the Fania All Stars among many others, he redefined salsa—musically daring, socially conscious, and unapologetically bold. His collaborations with legends such as Celia Cruz, David Byrne, Soledad Bravo, and Ismael Miranda further revealed the breadth of his artistry and the depth of his influence.
With more than 30 million albums sold, multiple Platinum records, and 11 combined GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY nominations, Willie Colón stood among the most successful salsa artists of all time. Yet numbers cannot measure the true scale of his legacy. His Lifetime Achievement Award from The Latin Recording Academy® (2004), his induction into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame (2000) and the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (2019), along with Billboard magazine’s recognition of him as one of the 30 most influential Latin Artists of All Time (2015), only begins to tell the story
Beyond music, Willie was a voice for his community—an activist and a public servant. He understood that rhythm could move people, but also hearts—and that songs could spark change.
Bruce McIntosh, VP, Latin of Catalog, Craft Recordings, reflected on Willie’s enduring impact, stating, “Willie was much more than an iconic artist; he was a true visionary that forged a new genre of Latin music that we all love today called Salsa. His legacy is etched into the very soul of Latin culture. He will forever be ‘El Maestro.’”
Today, the Fania Records, Craft Recordings and Concord family mourn the loss of a true music icon, but his echo will resonate with generations to come.
Tonight we say a sad goodbye to pioneering trombonist, composer, producer, and bandleader Willie Colón. Born to Puerto Rican parents, he South Bronx native began recording at age 16 and, through his unique trombone stylings, went on to become one of the leading salsa artists in the world.
Colón’s longtime label, Fania Records, summarized his career beautifully in a statement made today:
Today we bow our heads as the world mourns the loss one of the greatest artists of our time—the incomparable Willie Colón: legendary trombonist, visionary composer, master arranger, emotive singer, bold producer, fearless director, and tireless innovator.
We are heartbroken by the passing of an icon whose sound transcended the dance floor and defined an era. A pillar of Fania Records, Willie helped bring Latin music from the streets of New York to audiences around the world. His music declared identity, pride, resistance, and joy. His music was not just heard; it was lived.
Willie Colón was born and raised in the heart of the Bronx’s vibrant Latin community. Drawing deeply from his surroundings, he channeled the rhythm of the streets, the poetry of everyday survival, the ache of teen angst, and the fierce hope of a people determined to be seen—all of which found a home in his sound. From those roots grew a profound devotion to culture, heritage, and truth. He did not simply represent his community; he amplified it.
Willie Colón’s genius announced itself early—his first contract was signed by his mother when he was just sixteen—and it never stopped evolving. From his groundbreaking debut El Malo (1967) to the raw brilliance of his unforgettable collaborations with Héctor Lavoe and Rubén Blades, his role in the Fania All Stars among many others, he redefined salsa—musically daring, socially conscious, and unapologetically bold. His collaborations with legends such as Celia Cruz, David Byrne, Soledad Bravo, and Ismael Miranda further revealed the breadth of his artistry and the depth of his influence.
With more than 30 million albums sold, multiple Platinum records, and 11 combined GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY nominations, Willie Colón stood among the most successful salsa artists of all time. Yet numbers cannot measure the true scale of his legacy. His Lifetime Achievement Award from The Latin Recording Academy® (2004), his induction into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame (2000) and the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (2019), along with Billboard magazine’s recognition of him as one of the 30 most influential Latin Artists of All Time (2015), only begins to tell the story
Beyond music, Willie was a voice for his community—an activist and a public servant. He understood that rhythm could move people, but also hearts—and that songs could spark change.
Bruce McIntosh, VP, Latin of Catalog, Craft Recordings, reflected on Willie’s enduring impact, stating, “Willie was much more than an iconic artist; he was a true visionary that forged a new genre of Latin music that we all love today called Salsa. His legacy is etched into the very soul of Latin culture. He will forever be ‘El Maestro.’”
Today, the Fania Records, Craft Recordings and Concord family mourn the loss of a true music icon, but his echo will resonate with generations to come.