From Rubén Blades and Marc Anthony to Grupo Niche, Elvis Crespo and Olga Tañón, major figures in Latin music mourned the loss of salsa pioneer Willie Colón, who died Saturday (Feb. 21) in New York City at the age of 75.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of an icon whose sound transcended the dance floor and defined an era,” Fania Records — the label that revolutionized Latin music by creating the “Salsa” genre, and which signed a promising Colón when he was only 15 — said in a press release. “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.”
Blades, with whom Colón formed a legendary duo in the ’70s and ’80s that produced the seminal salsa album Siembra, shared the news of his former collaborator’s death with disbelief. “I have just confirmed what I was resisting to believe: Willie Colón has indeed passed away. To his wife Julia, his children, family, and loved ones, I send my heartfelt condolences. Later, and with calm, I will write about Willie and his vital and important musical legacy,” he wrote on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Celia Cruz’s state highlighted and thanked his work with the Queen of Salsa. “We will always treasure the magical moments that Willie and Celia shared, both on stage and in the studio. As the title of their iconic album together so aptly put it: ‘Only they could have made this album.’ Farewell, Willie. Your legacy and your music will resonate for eternity.”
Salsa icon Marc Anthony shared a photo in his Instagram Stories of him singing alongside Colón, accompanied by the text: “Maestro, thank you for your legacy. Your music lives on forever. R.I.P. Willie.”
Elvis Crespo issued an extensive press release mourning the legend’s death. “Today, the trombones of the Bronx inspire my gratitude to God and life for allowing me to hear the genius of an artist who communicated through his creativity and sensitivity. His influence is etched into my brain and my heart,” expressed the merengue star. “THANK YOU, MAESTRO WILLIE COLÓN, FOR YOUR ART!”
The iconic Colombian salsa music band Grupo Niche also shared a heartfelt tribute to whom they called an “absolute reference of our culture,” with “songs that marked generations, stories that became anthems, and an artistic force that forever transformed salsa.”
Puerto Rican merengue star Olga Tañón expressed her condolences to Colón’s loved ones: “Maestro, the great Willie Colón, rest in peace!!!!! To all of Don Willie’s family and fans, my deepest condolences.”
The Latin Recording Academy highlighted the musician’s legacy, which they honored with a special lifetime achievement award in 2004. “Today, we bid farewell with deep sadness to salsa legend Willie Colón — singer-songwriter, trombonist, arranger, and producer — recognized with our Award for Musical Excellence,” the institution wrote on Instagram. “His legacy transformed salsa by turning it into a global phenomenon, establishing a sound and aesthetic that defined an era and continues to inspire generations of artists. Rest in peace.”
“Thank you, maestro, for your inspiration!” Dominican musician and producer Maffio shared.
Urban music star Farruko posted a tribute on his social media alongside a black-and-white photo of him posing with the salsero. “Rest in peace, legend Willie Colón, one of the Fathers of salsa. Respect, admiration, and legacy,” he wrote.
Colombian singer-songwriter Fonseca, with whom Colón collaborated on the 2008 song “Estar Lejos,” posted a carousel of photos and videos of the two in the studio and on stage together. “Life gave me the privilege of sharing many moments with Maestro Willie Colón,” he wrote. “Music never dies, and the songs of the great Willie Colón will live forever. What a legacy you left us, dear Willie; I cherish the best memories.”
Salsa star Jerry Rivera also had words of admiration and respect for Colón. “More than a musician, he was an architect of the salsa movement, a visionary friend who gave identity and pride to our Latin culture,” he wrote in his post. “His legacy lives on in every groove, in every chorus sung with soul, and in every generation that continues to walk his path.”
On his Instagram account, Lin-Manuel Miranda posted the cover of Colón’s 1974 album, Willie, along with the text: “RIP Willie Colón. Grateful for his music, on a loop in this house always. Love to his family and friends.”
