• Willie Colón, renowned trombonist and salsa pioneer, has died at age 75.
• His family announced that he passed away on Saturday, though the cause of death was not disclosed.
• Colón was known for his influential albums, including “El Malo” and “Siembra,” which shaped the salsa genre.
• He was a social activist involved with various organizations, including the Latino Commission on AIDS.
• Colón also briefly pursued a career in politics and law enforcement later in life.

Willie Colón, a key figure in salsa music and a pioneering trombonist, passed away on Saturday at the age of 75. His family confirmed the news through a heartfelt post on his Facebook page, stating, "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," where no cause of death was disclosed according to Los Angeles Times, Reuters, and NPR.

Born in the Bronx on April 28, 1950, to Puerto Rican parents, Colón began his musical journey at a young age. He first played trumpet before switching to trombone, eventually signing with Fania Records at 15. By 17, he had released his debut album, “El Malo,” which sold over 300,000 copies and became a defining work in salsa music, as outlined by both Fania Records and the LA Philharmonic's biography of him according to Reuters and NPR.

Colón's music was a fusion of jazz, rock, and traditional rhythms from various cultures, reflecting the complex relationship Puerto Ricans have with the US and their cultural heritage. His collaboration with singer Héctor Lavoe during the late 1960s and early 70s produced multiple influential albums, establishing a distinct sound that resonated with many in the Nuyorican community. This impact is particularly noted in their 1978 album “Siembra," which remains a highpoint in salsa music according to Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

In addition to his music, Colón was a prominent social activist, involved with organizations such as the Latino Commission on AIDS and serving on the board of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. His activism and music often intersected, using his platform to shine a light on important social issues within Latin communities according to Reuters and NPR.

Colón also ventured into politics, attempting to run for a congressional seat in New York’s 17th district in 1994 and later for New York City Advocate, though he did not secure a position. He further diversified his life by serving as a police officer after graduating from the Westchester County Police Academy in 2014, which allowed him to stay connected to his community according to Los Angeles Times and NPR.