Willie Colon (willie colon) dies at age 75, family says
LOS ANGELES — American salsa legend willie colon, the pioneering trombonist, vocalist and composer, died on Saturday at age 75, his family said posted on Colón's Facebook page. The family wrote: "While we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories he created that will live on forever. "
Death and family statement details
The family released the announcement on Colón's Facebook page and framed the message around remembrance of his music and the memories he created. The statement was presented as the family's formal notice of his death on Saturday, and it emphasized both grief and celebration of his work.
Willie Colon's early recordings
Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Willie Colón signed with Fania Records at age 15. Two years after signing, in 1967, he released his first album, "El Malo, " which has sold more than 300, 000 copies, as noted in his biography on the LA Philharmonic website. Colón recorded dozens of albums, including "La Gran Fuga" (The Big Break) in 1970 and "El Juicio" in 1972. Fania Records, a label that promoted salsa music, was central to those early recordings.
Musical influences and themes
Colón's music combined elements of jazz, rock and salsa, and incorporated the rhythms of traditional music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Africa, the biography said. The biography also described a central theme in his work: "A significant overarching theme in Colón's music—which draws from many cultures and several different styles—is an exploration of the competing associations that Puerto Ricans have with their home and with the United States. " It added that "He uses his songs to depict and investigate the problems of living in the U. S. as a Puerto Rican and also to imply the cultural contributions that Puerto Ricans have to offer. "
Awards and activism roles
In 2004, Colón received a lifetime achievement award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. A longtime social activist, Colón was a member of the Latino Commission on AIDS and the United Nations Immigrant Foundation, and he served as a board member at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the biography states.
Legacy, reactions and remembrance
Willie Colón's death on Saturday at age 75 closes a career that blended performance, composition and social engagement. The family framed his passing in terms of loss and lasting musical gifts. Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents and known as a pioneering trombonist, vocalist and composer, Colón leaves behind dozens of albums, landmark early sales for "El Malo, " and recognition that included a 2004 lifetime achievement award. Unclear in the provided context are further details about funeral arrangements or planned public memorials.
Colón's biography on the LA Philharmonic website and the record label Fania Records are cited in his life story for his early signing, album releases and for describing the cross-cultural currents in his music. The family message on Facebook remains the public notice of his death.
Closing: Willie Colón's contributions spanned music, activism and cultural commentary; his family announced his death on Saturday and asked that his music and memories be celebrated.
