music
February 22, 2026
Rubén Blades prayed for Willie Colón hours before his death was confirmed
Willie Colón's death generated an immediate reaction in the Latin music world, especially from his colleague and collaborator Rubén Blades, who the day before had reported that the artist was urgently admitted to a hospital in New York for an apparent respiratory problem.
TL;DR
- Rubén Blades initially reported Willie Colón was urgently hospitalized in New York for respiratory problems.
- Blades shared a message of hope and prayers for Colón's swift recovery.
- Willie Colón's family confirmed his death the following day.
- Colón, born in New York, was a significant trombonist, composer, arranger, and producer in salsa music.
- He famously collaborated with Héctor Lavoe and Rubén Blades, producing the album 'Siembra' in 1978.