Willie Colón has Passed Away: Rubén Blades Discusses the Death of his Salsa Partner

The death of salsa singer Willie Colón pictured below. generated multiple reactions in the artistic world, including that of his historic partner Rubén Blades, with whom he marked one of the most influential stages of salsa in the 1970s and 1980s. Through his social media, Blades confirmed the news and expressed his sorrow at the passing of the New York trombonist and producer.  “I have just confirmed what I was reluctant to believe: Willie Colón has indeed passed away. I send my deepest condolences to his wife Julia, his children, family, and loved ones. Later, when I have had time to reflect, I will write about Willie and his vital and important musical legacy,” he said on the social network X. 

The message was published on February 21, 2026 and quickly generated reactions from fans and colleagues who recalled the importance of both artists in the history of salsa.  Blades, pictured below, and Colón, above. formed one of the most emblematic duos of the genre, responsible for productions that marked an era and redefined the sound of urban salsa.  Although in recent years they made public differences related to rights and record reissues, their joint legacy remains an essential reference within Latin American music. 

Willie Colón, the iconic trombonist, composer and performer of salsa classics such as “Idilio” and “Gitana”, passed away on the morning of February 21, 2026 at the age of 75, after facing health complications and remaining hospitalized for respiratory problems in New York, according to his family on social media.  The news, released by his team in a statement, indicated that he passed away surrounded by his loved ones and emphasized that, although his absence is painful, his music and legacy will live on in the hearts of millions of fans around the world.