music
February 22, 2026
Willie Colón, emblematic salsa musician and interpreter of icons like 'Idilio', dies
The legendary salsero Willie Colón, trombonist and composer of classics like Idilio and El gran varón, died at the age of 75 in New York. A key figure in salsa alongside Héctor Lavoe and Rubén Blades, he leaves an indelible legacy in Latin music.
TL;DR
- Willie Colón, a legendary salsa trombonist and composer, has died at 75 in New York.
- He was known for iconic songs such as 'Idilio' and 'El gran varón'.
- Colón was a key figure in salsa, collaborating with Héctor Lavoe and Rubén Blades.
- His career began at 16 with the album 'El Malo' alongside Héctor Lavoe under the Fania label.
- He recorded over 32 albums, achieving significant commercial success with multiple gold and platinum records and over eight million records sold worldwide.