Reactions pour in following death of salsa great Willie Colón

The Latin music community was awash with tributes on Sunday as icons and fans alike mourned the loss of legendary salsa musician Willie Colón. (Wikimedia Commons/Florian Schneider from New York)

By THE STAR STAFF

Reactions from the public and celebrities poured in on Sunday after legendary musician Willie Colón, a vibrant icon of salsa music, passed away in New York at the age of 75 (see related story on page 9).

“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.”

His family confirmed the salsa icon’s passing in a heartfelt message on social media on Saturday.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and renowned musician, Willie Colón. He departed peacefully this morning, surrounded by his loving family,” the statement posted on Facebook reads.

“Although we mourn his absence, we also rejoice in the eternal gift of his music and the cherished memories he created, which will live on forever,” his family added.

The official cause of his passing remained undisclosed on Sunday, but reports say Colón had been under medical care for respiratory difficulties in his final days.

The Latin music community was awash with tributes, as icons and fans alike mourned the loss of the “Idilio” singer.

Puerto Rican salsa luminary Tito Nieves shared a poignant photo with Colón, calling him “a pillar of salsa and a visionary who forever marked our music.”

Colombia’s legendary Grupo Niche added their voice to the chorus of condolences, emphasizing how his “songs marked generations, turned stories into anthems, and embodied an artistic force that transformed salsa forever.”

Puerto Rican singer Victor Manuelle lamented that salsa has lost another of its giants, recalling Colón as “The Bad Guy from the Bronx.” 

“I was fortunate to share the stage with him on several occasions and engage in fascinating conversations,” Manuelle said. “A man of formidable character, yet always respectful. His legacy will live on in history.”

Singer Rubén Blades, who famously teamed with Colón in the 1970s and early 1980s on several salsa albums now regarded as classics of the genre, including the top-selling “Siembra” (1978), shared a nostalgic photo of a young Colón and extended heartfelt condolences to the family.

“Later, when I have time, I will write about Willie and his vital and important musical legacy,” Blades said, hinting at a future tribute to his friend and collaborator.

Celia Cruz’s estate noted his work with the late Queen of Salsa. “We will always treasure the magical moments that Willie and Celia shared, both on stage and in the studio,” the estate said. “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.”

Puerto Rican performer Rauw Alejandro, whose 2024 album “Cosa Nuestra” was inspired by Colón’s 1969 LP of the same name, posted on his Instagram Stories: “Willie… thank you. Thank you for paving the way when there was no way. For making the trombone a symbol, for giving salsa its streetwise edge and soul, and for making your music an identity for so many people on the island, in New York, and throughout the diaspora.”