Salsa Music Legend Willie Colón Dies at 75

JAKARTA - Willie Colón, a brilliant composer from the United States and a central figure in the birth of the Nuyorican salsa movement, breathed his last breath in New York on Saturday, February 21 local time.

The musician, nicknamed "El Malo", died at the age of 75, leaving behind an artistic legacy that is invaluable for Latin music.

The sad news was confirmed directly by the family through an official statement on the musician's Facebook account.

In his statement, the family said Colón died peacefully in the midst of his loved ones.

"With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and renowned musician, Willie Colón. He passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by his loving family," the official statement read.

"Although we mourn his absence, we also rejoice in his enduring gift of music and the beautiful memories he created that will live on forever," he continued.

For information, Colón was born in the tough South Bronx area, New York on April 28, 1950. He started his musical career at a very young age.

At 16 years old, Colón already recorded his debut album, "El Malo", with Héctor Lavoe (vocals) under the label Fania Records.

The collaboration is not just a collaboration of ordinary musicians; the two are considered the main architects who have revamped the Latin genre to be more aggressive, urban, and relevant to street life in New York.

Songs such as "Che Ché Colé", "La Murga", to "Calle Luna Calle Sol" are proof of Colón's genius in composing iconic trombone arrangements.

Citing a musical history note from the Grammy's official website, Colón's influence goes beyond entertainment; he injected social identity into the salsa rhythm that was previously considered only as party music.

After parting ways with Lavoe, Colón proved his fangs as a solo artist through successful albums such as "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly" (1976) and "Solo" (1988).

Throughout his illustrious career, the musician who has collaborated with Rubén Blades and Celia Cruz managed to win nine gold records and five platinum records. With a total album sales of over eight million copies worldwide, he also recorded eight Grammy Award nominations.

Not only on the music stage, Colón is known as a vocal social-political activist who speaks up for the rights of the Latin community in New York - proving that an artist has a moral responsibility to his environment.