Feb. 22 (UPI) — Salsa legend Willie Colón died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 75, his family has announced.
“While we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories he created that will live on forever,” his family wrote on social media Saturday.
“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,” his label Fania Records confirmed in a separate statement.
“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.”
The Bronx, N.Y., native was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019.
He earned a lifetime achievement award from the Latin Recording Academy in 2004 and Billboard magazine listed him as one of the 30 most influential Latin Artists of All Time in 2015.
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