Salsa Legend Willie Colón Dies at 75 Following Six-Decade Career

Salsa legend Willie Colón died at the age of 75 after a career that redefined Latin music and cultural identity.The South Bronx native rose to fame with Fania Records and produced landmark albums with Héctor Lavoe and Rubén Blades.Willie Colón received eight Grammy nominations and a Lifetime Achievement Award while advocating for social causes and the Latino Commission on AIDS.He is survived by his wife Julia Colón and their four sons following a final performance in August 2025 with the Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra.