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.
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.
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.
