Khaberni - The family of the leading American trombonist, singer, and composer Willie Colon, a pillar of Latin salsa music, announced his death on Saturday at the age of 75.
The family stated in their announcement: "While we mourn his departure, we also celebrate the everlasting gift that his music represents, and the precious memories he created which will live on forever." The causes of death have not been disclosed.
Colon was born in the Bronx in New York City to Puerto Rican parents and recorded dozens of albums, including "La Gran Fuga" in 1970, and "El Juicio" in 1972, according to "Fania Records," a leading company in the publishing and promotion of salsa music.
Colon signed his first contract with "Fania" at the age of fifteen, then released his first album "El Malo" in 1967, which sold more than 300,000 copies, according to his biography published on the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra's website.
Colon's music was distinguished by integrating elements from jazz, rock, and salsa, with rhythms inspired by the traditional musical heritage of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Africa.
His biography indicates that "a major theme dominating Colon's works, derived from multiple cultures and styles, is the exploration of the contradictions in Puerto Ricans' relationship with their homeland and the United States."
Colon used his songs to portray and analyze the challenges of life in the United States as a Puerto Rican and to highlight the cultural contributions that Puerto Ricans make to the American society.
In 2004, Colon was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Latin Recording Academy of Arts and Sciences.
In addition to his artistic career, Colon was a prominent social activist and a member of the "Latino Commission on AIDS" and the "United Nations Foundation for Immigrants", as well as serving on the board of directors of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, according to his biography.
Colon is considered one of the pioneers of salsa music who helped introduce the world to this musical genre, leaving behind an artistic and humanitarian legacy that will remain alive in the memory of Latin music lovers around the world.
