The beat of salsa took a pause as the world learned of the passing of its legendary maestro, Willie Colón, at the age of 75. But if you think his music will stop, think again! The rhythm lives on, as heartfelt tributes flood in from the music world’s brightest stars.
Colón, who dropped iconic salsa tracks like El Malo and teamed up with Rubén Blades for the smash hit Siembra— that topped Rolling Stone's Best Salsa Albums list—left an eternal mark on the genre. His era-defining beats are just as relevant to today's Latin pop scene.
Rubén Blades took to Instagram, promising a deeper dive into his legendary friendship with Colón soon. In his early message, Blades shared, “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. I will write more about Willie and his vital and important musical legacy later when I calm down.”
And let's not forget Colón's epic collaborations with Celia Cruz. Cruz’s team shared, “We will always treasure the magical moments that Willie and Celia shared, both on stage and in the studio.” Together, their album Celia & Willie proved that salsa could conquer hearts everywhere.
Latin pop royalty Marc Anthony also poured his heart out in an Instagram story, saying, “Maestro, thank you for your legacy. Your music lives on forever. R.I.P. Willie.” Not only did Anthony reinvent Colón’s tunes in the movie El Cantante, but he embodies the excitement and spirit Colón brought to every stage.
New age salsa and Latin pop stars like Rauw Alejandro are a testament to Colón's influence. Alejandro named his album Cosa Nuestra after Colón’s 1969 classic and emphasized the maestro’s impact: “For me, personally, your art inspired me and guided me. It showed me that what’s cultural can also be modern...”
Even Elvis Crespo couldn't help but wave his flag for Colón, calling him a genius at adapting his artistry. Crespo fondly recalled meeting Colón backstage in New York once—a memory fans around the world share as they listen to Colón's unmatched hits.
As Willie Colón's La Murga continues to groove eternal playlists, fans and musicians unite in celebrating a life that has turned music into magic. Rest easy, Willie Colón—your legends live on!