Salsa has fallen silent. This Saturday, the world awoke to the sad news of the passing of William Anthony Colón Román, better known as Willie Colón, at the age of 75 in a New York hospital.
The interpreter of hymns such as “Idilio”, “Gitana” and “El gran varón” left an irreparable void, causing the greatest figures of Latin music to take to the networks to praise his legacy, among them Rubén Blades, Carlos Vives and Grupo Niche.
Rubén Blades’ farewell: “I was reluctant to believe it”.
WILLIE COLON
I have just confirmed what I was reluctant to believe: Willie Colón has indeed passed away.
To his wife Julia, his children, family and loved ones I send my heartfelt condolences.
I will write about Willie and his vital and important musical legacy at a later date.Ruben… pic.twitter.com/mx7OakRTLH
– Rubén Blades (@rubenblades) February 21, 2026
Undoubtedly, the most expected reaction was that of Rubén Blades.
The Panamanian and the New Yorker formed in the 70’s the most successful duo in the history of salsa under the Fania label, creating masterpieces such as “Siembra”.
Despite a public feud that lasted more than two decades due to legal disputes, Blades put the differences behind him to fire his former colleague.
“I just confirmed what I was reluctant to believe: Willie Colón has indeed passed away,” Blades wrote, sending his condolences to Colón’s wife and children.
The Panamanian singer-songwriter, who had already asked for prayers for Willie’s health days before, promised to write calmly about the “vital and important musical legacy” of his former creative partner.
Carlos Vives and Grupo Niche: “Eternal gratitude to the maestro”.
From my oldest children to my youngest children, passing through us, a mixture of sadness and gratitude. Another great who leaves but stays in his music. Rest in peace dear Willie 🥹🙏🏻🕯 pic.twitter.com/otYdjFbz6E
– Carlos Vives (@carlosvives) February 21, 2026
From Colombia, the land that always adopted Willie Colón as one of its own, the messages of mourning did not take long to arrive.
Carlos Vives expressed a mixture of “sadness and gratitude”, noting that although the great one is leaving, his music will remain forever in the new generations.
“Rest in peace, dear Willie,” said the samario.
For its part, Grupo Niche defined Colón as an “absolute reference of our culture”.
The Colombian orchestra highlighted the artist’s ability to transform salsa and turn everyday stories into anthems that have touched millions.
“Your music is eternal. It will live on in every corner where a clave sounds,” they added in their emotional message.
Artists in mourning for Willie Colón
💔 The day Willie Colón said goodbye: “this may be my last concert, I am very grateful”. pic.twitter.com/7BpKBOo9XF
– EL TIEMPO (@ELTIEMPO) February 21, 2026
Born in the Bronx in 1950, Willie Colón began his career at the age of 16 and recorded more than 32 albums.
He was a fundamental part of the Fania All Stars and together with Héctor Lavoe revolutionized the genre with the album “El Malo”.
With nine Gold Discs and five Platinum Discs, Colón was not only a musician, but a poet and director who took salsa from New York’s barrios to the world’s most prestigious stages.
Today, the clave sounds slower, but as his colleagues say, Willie Colón’s legacy is immortal.
Filed under: Artists in mourning for Willie Colón
