music
March 9, 2026
He Left Amidst the Chords of 'La Murga de Panamá': This Was Willie Colón's Farewell
With a public mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, musicians and salsa lovers bid farewell to trombonist, composer, and producer W...
TL;DR
- Willie Colón, a renowned trombonist, composer, and producer, passed away on February 21, 2026, at the age of 75.
- A public mass was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York to honor his life and career.
- Hundreds of fans and fellow musicians attended the ceremony.
- His sons highlighted the importance of family values and discipline as key lessons from their father.
- Trombonists played in tribute as Colón's coffin was carried out of the cathedral.
- Colón was influential in the salsa music scene during the 1970s and 1980s, known for songs like 'Gitana' and 'Idilio'.