Willie Colon Obit

FILE - Legendary salsa musician Willie Colon poses for a portrait in Mexico City, March 5, 2009. 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.