Did Willie Colón Have Children? Family Revealed After Salsa Legend's Death at 75

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - AUGUST 09: Willie Colón delivers a live performance at his Idilio Sinfónico concert alongside the Orquesta Filarmonica de Puerto Rico at the Coca-Cola Music Hall on August 9, 2025, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Gladys Vega/Getty Images)

Renowned Nuyorican salsa musician and activist Willie Colón has passed away. He was 75 years old.

ABC 7 News stated that his family announced his passing through a Facebook post.

"It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the death of our cherished husband, father, and famous musician," stated the message published on Saturday. "He passed away calmly this morning, with his caring family by his side. Although we are heartbroken by his loss, we celebrate the eternal gift of his music and the precious memories he left behind that will remain with us forever," the family said.

The family also expressed their sincere appreciation for the prayers and assistance they received, and asked to be granted privacy while they mourn.

Willie is survived by his wife, Julia Colón, and four children. Little else is known about them, and the reason for his death remains uncertain.

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Known as the "Architect of Salsa," Willie Colon was a prominent Puerto Rican salsa musician. His career lasted more than five decades, and his work features albums such as La Gran Fuga (1970) and El Juicio (1972).

He was 15 years old when he joined Fania Records, and his first album, El Malo, sold more than 300,000 copies.

He received the lifetime achievement award, which he was recognized with in 2004 by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Willie was best known for his talents as a trombonist, composer, and bandleader.

He is mostly recognized for shaping the music that developed within New York's Puerto Rican community during the 1960s and 1970s.

In addition to his remarkable career, Willie was also known for his involvement in activism and community work.

He was known for frequently utilizing his influence to bring attention to social matters and supported causes that affected the Puerto Rican and Latino populations.

In 1995, he made history as the first person of color to join the national board of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). He took over from Stephen Sondheim during that period. "Siembra," released in 1978 featuring vocalist Ruben Blades, brought attention to the social challenges faced by the Latino community in the United States.

I grew up in a very challenging area," he once mentioned to Billboard. "My father was incarcerated. Nearly everyone ended up in jail... there was a lot of contact between us and the police.

Willie is said to have only taken music classes during his junior high years, yet he remained involved in the industry up until 2025. He was also mentioned in Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny's 2025 song "Nueva Yol."

 

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