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

Salsa icon Willie Colón passed away on February 21, 2026, at the age of 75 after a career spanning six decades.The Bronx-born trombonist and producer redefined Latin music through legendary collaborations with Héctor Lavoe and Rubén Blades.Beyond his musical success with over 30 million albums sold, Willie Colón was a prominent activist who ran for the USA House of Representatives.He remained a cultural force through his final tours in 2025 and recent mentions by modern artists like Bad Bunny.