ENDEIT
Willie Colón
Photo: latinustv, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Trumpeters · 1950–2026

Willie Colón

American musician

Born
28 April 1950
The Bronx
Died
21 February 2026
The Bronx
Country
United States
Record labels
Fania Records
Discography
42 albums

Biography

Willie Colón was a jazz musician who played trumpet, trombone and voice. Willie Colón was born on 28 April 1950 in The Bronx and died on 21 February 2026 in The Bronx. The music is usually filed under salsa, bolero and boogaloo. Record labels: Fania Records. The discography here lists 42 albums, from “El malo” (1968) to “Amor verdadero” (2020). Honours include International Latin Music Hall of Fame (2001), Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2004) and Latin Grammy Hall of Fame (2007).

William Anthony Colón Román (April 28, 1950 – February 21, 2026) was an American salsa musician and social activist. He began his career as a trombonist but also sang, wrote, produced and acted. Colón was a pioneer of salsa music and a best-selling artist in the genre, having been a key figure in the beginnings of the New York City scene associated with Fania Records. He was also noteworthy for having assumed the gangster image in his album covers before it was culturally popular. From the 1980s on, he was at times deeply involved in the politics of New York City. His hit songs include "Aguanilé" with Hector Lavoe, "Tiburón", and "El gran varón".

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Discography

Studio and live albums

El malo 1968 · Fania The Hustler 1968 · Fania Cosa nuestra 1969 · Fania Guisando (Doing a Job) 1969 · Fania The Big Break - La gran fuga 1970 · Fania Asalto navideño 1972 · Fania El juicio 1972 · Fania Asalto navideño, vol. II 1973 · Fania Lo mato (Si no compra este LP) 1973 · Fania The Good, the Bad, the Ugly 1975 · Fania There Goes the Neighborhood: Se chavó el vecindario 1975 · Vaya El baquiné de angelitos negros 1977 · Fania Metiendo mano 1977 · Fania Only They Could Have Made This Album 1977 · Vaya Siembra 1978 · Fania Solo 1979 · Fania Doble energía 1980 · Fania Canciones del solar de los aburridos 1981 · Fania Celia y Willie 1981 · Vaya Fantasmas 1981 · Fania Corazón guerrero 1982 · Fania The Last Fight 1982 · Música Latina Vigilante 1983 · Fania Criollo 1984 · RCA Tiempo pa' matar 1984 · Fania Contrabando 1986 · Distribuidora Sonográfica C.A. The Winners 1987 · Vaya Top Secrets 1989 Color americano 1990 Honra y cultura 1991 Asalto navideño 1992 · Fania Hecho en Puerto Rico 1993 Tras la tormenta 1995 · Sony Tropical Y vuelve otra vez 1995 Demasiado corazón 1998
Idilio 2000
El malo vol. II: Prisioneros del mambo 2008 · Lone Wolf Records Siembra Live! 2010 · Live · Fania Live in the Netherlands 2011 · Live · Smith & Co Amor verdadero 2020 · Willie Colon
Americano latino
El Poliedro de Caracas tembló · Live

Also plays on

Albums where Willie Colón is credited as a sideman

1973 Indestructible — Ray Barretto background vocals, choir vocals
2012 Anthology — Ray Barretto background vocals, choir vocals

Awards

Listen on Spotify

Frequently asked questions

What instrument did Willie Colón play?

Willie Colón is known for playing trumpet, trombone and voice.

When and where was Willie Colón born?

Willie Colón was born 28 April 1950 in The Bronx.

What are Willie Colón's best-known albums?

Albums in our database include El malo (1968), The Hustler (1968), Cosa nuestra (1969), Guisando (Doing a Job) (1969) and The Big Break - La gran fuga (1970).

External links

Data compiled from open sources; see the source links below. Spotted an error? Let us know.