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. 

The image below corresponds to his memorable appearance at the Premios Juventud awards in Panama, held in September 2025.  Salsa has lost one of its titans. The death of Willie Colón has shaken the artistic world and unleashed a wave of messages of grief, respect, and gratitude from major figures in the genre, who today mourn the passing of the maestro who forever changed the Latin sound.  The news of his passing was announced by his family on his official Facebook page, where they requested respect and space to grieve. The artist was 75 years old.

Salsa singer Willie Gonzalez expressed that his heart is “deeply moved” by the passing of a giant who paved the way in salsa.  “He was an inspiration, he was a strength, he was an identity for our Latin culture,” he wrote, sending a supportive hug to the teacher’s family.

Tito Nieves described him as “a pillar of salsa and a visionary who forever marked our music.” He expressed gratitude for his legacy and highlighted the genius that made him an essential figure in the genre.

Singer Jerry Rivera also paid tribute to the Puerto Rican who “turned the trombone into a flag and the neighborhood into a symphony.” He recalled his time alongside giants like Héctor Lavoe and Rubén Blades, emphasizing that more than a musician, he was an architect of the salsa movement.

Renowned producer Sergio George was emphatic: “The most important salsa producer of all time. May he rest in peace, maestro Willie Colón.”

Salsa singer Víctor Manuelle also joined in expressing his grief over the passing of Willie Colón. “Once again, the world of salsa loses one of its most emblematic figures, ‘The Bad Guy from the Bronx.’ Producer and visionary, responsible for a new sound in salsa,” he said.

The performer noted that he had the opportunity to share the stage with the maestro on several occasions, in addition to having interesting conversations. “A man of strong character, but he always treated me with great respect. His legacy will live on in history. RIP,” he stated, making clear the impact and indelible mark that Colón leaves on the genre.

Urban artist Farruko also expressed his sorrow at the death of Willie Colón. “Rest in peace, legend Willie Colón, one of the fathers of salsa. Respect, admiration, and legacy. I had the privilege of knowing you personally and while you were alive. Rest in peace, maestro,” he wrote.

Without a doubt, the departure of the Bronx native, of Puerto Rican parents, leaves an immense void, but his trombone will continue to sound eternal in every tumbao and in every salsa heart.

The relationship between Rubén Blades and Willie Colón began in the late 1970s, when they joined forces to create one of the most influential works in salsa: “Siembra” (1978).  The album, considered one of the most important in the history of Latin music, contained unforgettable tracks such as “Pedro Navaja” and “Plástico,” which became anthems of the genre.