Salsa Music Legend Was 75
Willie Colón, the legendary salsa musician, actor and social activist, has died. He was 75.
The Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner died “peacefully” on Saturday morning, surrounded by household, in keeping with a press release. A reason for demise was not instantly disclosed.
“It’s with profound disappointment that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and famend musician, Willie Colon,” his official Fb web page introduced on Saturday. “He handed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by his loving household.”
The assertion continued, “Whereas we grieve his absence, we additionally rejoice within the timeless present of his music and the cherished reminiscences he created that can reside on perpetually. Our household is deeply grateful to your prayers and assist throughout this time of mourning. We kindly ask for privateness as we navigate our grief.”
Born April 28, 1950 within the Bronx neighborhood of New York Metropolis, Colón realized to play trumpet and trombone from a younger age, signing to Fania Information at age 15.
Colón launched his debut album El Malo at age 17 in 1967, promoting greater than 300,000 copies. With greater than 60 albums launched through the years, a lot of his music depicts the Puerto Rican expertise.
Final 12 months, Colón appeared in Unhealthy Bunny’s ‘Nuevayol‘ music video.
As an actor, Colón appeared in movies like Vigilante (1982), The Final Battle (1983) and It May Occur to You (1994), in addition to episodes of Miami Vice and The Cosby Present.
Colón was additionally an activist, serving as NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s consultant advisor and liaison to the Latin Media Leisure Fee. He additionally served on The Latino Fee on AIDS and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, along with changing into the primary particular person of colour to serve on the ASCAP nationwide board.
