Born William Anthony Colón Román on April 28, 1950, in the South Bronx, New York, to Puerto Rican parents, Colón grew up immersed in the vibrant Nuyorican culture of the city. As a young boy, he first picked up the trumpet before switching to the trombone, inspired by the bold, all-trombone sounds of musicians like Mon Rivera and Barry Rogers. By age 15, he signed with Fania Records, and at 17, he released his debut album, which sold over 300,000 copies and marked the beginning of a groundbreaking career.
Colón became one of the architects of modern salsa music in the 1960s and 1970s. His innovative arrangements, driving rhythms, and "bad boy" persona—famously marketed as "El Malo"—brought a streetwise, urban edge to the genre. He recorded dozens of albums for Fania, including classics like El Malo (1968), La Gran Fuga (1970), and El Juicio (1972). His 1978 collaboration with Rubén Blades on Siembra remains one of the best-selling salsa albums of all time, blending infectious grooves with socially conscious lyrics. Colón's trombone wasn't just an instrument; it was, as his manager once said, "the voice of the people." Over his nearly 60-year career, he sold more than 30 million albums, earned Grammy nominations, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy in 2004.
Beyond music, Colón was a dedicated social activist from his teenage years. He used his platform to address issues affecting Latino and Puerto Rican communities, serving on boards like the Latino Commission on AIDS and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. He was involved in civil rights efforts, campaigned for debt relief with Jubilee 2000 (even joining a delegation to the Vatican endorsed by Pope John Paul II), and advocated against the U.S. Navy's bombing on Vieques, Puerto Rico. Politically, he ran for Congress in 1994 (challenging Rep. Eliot Engel) and for New York City Public Advocate in 2001, though unsuccessful. He also worked with mayors like David Dinkins and Michael Bloomberg, often blending his activism with his art to highlight injustice, poverty, and cultural pride.
Regarding his religious beliefs, Colón maintained a connection to faith through his activism, notably participating in the Jubilee 2000 initiative that received papal support. While he was not overtly public about personal religious practices in many interviews, his work reflected values of justice, compassion, and solidarity often aligned with Catholic social teaching, especially in his advocacy for the marginalized.
Willie Colón's legacy endures in the rhythms that still fill dance floors, in the stories his songs told of barrio life, and in the generations of musicians he inspired. He expanded salsa, politicized it, and gave it a global voice. Rest in peace, Maestro—your trombone's call will echo forever.
A Prayer for Willie Colón
Eternal God, merciful Father,
We commend to Your loving care Your servant Willie Colón, who has departed this life.
Grant him eternal rest in Your presence, where there is no more pain, no more suffering, only the joy of Your light.
Comfort his family, friends, and all who loved his music and his fight for justice.
May the songs he created continue to uplift souls and remind us of the beauty in our shared humanity.
Through Christ our Lord, who conquered death and promises resurrection, we pray.
Amen.
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