Willie Colon Obit

FILE - Willie Colon plays the trombone while performing the song "La Murga" during a tribute concert in honor of the late salsa music pioneer Hector Lavoe in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Sept. 7, 2007. Colón, considered by many to be the "architect of urban salsa," died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. He was 75.

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Willie Colón, architect of urban salsa music, dies at 75

Willie Colón, architect of urban salsa music, dies at 75

Willie Colón, a key creator of urban salsa and a longtime social activist, has died. He was 75. His family and manager confirmed his death in social media posts Saturday. Colón was a trombonist, composer, arranger and singer. He recorded more than 40 albums that have sold tens of millions worldwide. He collaborated with a wide range of artists, including the Fania All Stars, David Byrne and Celia Cruz. He blended jazz and rock with classic Latin rhythms. His album “Siembra” with Rubén Blades became a genre landmark. Colón also worked in civil rights groups and city government. He later acted in films and TV shows.