Willie Colón, Puerto Rican tromobonist and the legendary figure behind the Nuyorican salsa movement, passed away at the age of 75 years, his family confirmed in a shared statement on social media on Saturday.
The news of his death comes hours after local media reports stated that Colon was hospitalized in New York on Friday.
“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 message posted on Facebook said.
“While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the lasting gift of his music and the memories it created, which will live on,” the family added.
The Puerto Rican artistic community had been asking for prayers, as the singer-songwriter was receiving treatment for respiratory complications, mentioned a report by NBC New York.
Who was Willie Colon?
Born on April 28, 1950 – in the South Bronx of New York City – William Anthony Colon Roman was a musician of Puerto Rican descent.
It was reportedly Colon’s grandmother Antonia (“Toña”) who instilled in the salsa legend – the seed of Puerto Rican identity and taught him to speak Spanish – a language that Willie’s parents had lost on the streets of New York at a time when bilingualism was not widely embraced.
Not just a salsa legend – Colon was a poet, composer, arranger, performer, folklorist, trombonist, producer, and musical director.
(This is a developing story. Keep checking for more updates)
