Art figures express grief over the death of Willie Colón

Santo Domingo.– This Saturday, the death of the legendary salsa singer and trombonist Willie Colón was announced, at the age of 75, after suffering respiratory complications in a New York hospital, according to his family. Colón, recognized as one of the key figures in the evolution of salsa, built a career that transcended generations and borders. His innovative style, the strength of his trombone, and his ability to fuse Caribbean rhythms with urban sounds positioned him as one of the most influential artists of tropical music. Nicknamed "El Malo del Bronx", he was a fundamental piece in the internationalization of the genre and in the consolidation of salsa as a cultural movement. The news caused a wave of reactions in the artistic world. One of the first to react was the Panamanian singer-songwriter Rubén Blades, with whom Colón developed one of the most influential alliances in the genre. Together they propelled a new stage in salsa in the late 1970s, integrating social content and urban narratives in productions such as Siembra (1978), considered the best-selling salsa album in history.

"I have just confirmed what I was reluctant to believe: Willie Colón has indeed passed away. To his wife Julia, his children, family, and loved ones, I send my deepest condolences. Later, and with calm, I will write about Willie and his vital and important musical legacy," Blades expressed.

The salsa singer La India shared an emotional audiovisual accompanied by a photograph with the artist and wrote: “Willie Colón… you are physically gone, but your music will never leave. You were great without needing awards. You were a legend without seeking recognition. The respect of the people was your greatest award. You were a leader”.

For his part, Víctor Manuelle recalled the moments when he shared the stage with the trombonist. “Man of strong character, but always treated me with great respect. Producer and visionary. Responsible for a new salsa sound”, he expressed.

The Colombian singer and songwriter Willy García stated: “The ‘Malo del Bronx’, maestro Willie Colón, a pillar of the genre, is gone. Talking about his contribution is to spend a long time enumerating successes”. The former member of Grupo Niche added: “It hurts to see how the greats are leaving, it is very sad”.

You can also read: Willie Colón, salsa legend and reference in Latin music, passes away

Artists from various musical genres also reacted to the salsa singer's passing, including Daddy Yankee, Rauw Alejandro, Tainy, J Balvin, Jerry Rivera, Olga Tañón, Alejandro Sanz, Farruko, Karol G and Fonseca, who highlighted his legacy and influence on Latin music. Likewise, figures from the political and sports fields joined the condolences, such as Colombian senator Gustavo Bolívar and Venezuelan former baseball player Omar Vizquel; the governor of Puerto Rico, Jeniffer González, among others.

Reactions from the Dominican Republic

From the country, multiple artists expressed their sorrow. Rafael Berroa, vocalist of Chiquito Team Band, shared an audiovisual with a tour of Colón's career and highlighted the artistic legacy left by the Puerto Rican. "A giant is leaving us, a legend that marked generations. Your trombone and your history will live forever on every stage and in every salsa heart", he wrote. The urban artist La Insuperable posted on her Instagram account: "Only salsa lovers will understand this feeling", accompanied by images of the musician and a photograph where she is shown affected by the news. The interpreter Michelle El Buenón expressed: "Willie Colón's departure leaves an immense void in Latin music, but an eternal legacy that will continue to resonate in every corner where salsa lives". She added that his talent, vision, and way of telling stories through music marked generations and paved the way for many artists who today live and love the genre. Similarly, Yiyo Sarante wrote: "Thank you for the eternal rhythm you left to the world. Forever, maestro". Sexappeal, Toño Rosario, Romeo Santos, and Prince Royce, Andrés Vander Horst, Executive Vice President of Fiduciaria Reservas; among others, also joined the displays of respect and admiration. Willie Colón's departure leaves a deep void in Latin music, but also an immortal legacy that will continue to vibrate in every trombone, in every descarga, and in every salsa heart around the world.