Via Wikimedia Commons
Willie Colón
b. 1950
Trombonist, salsa pioneer, and political activist of Puerto Rican descent, transformed Latin music in New York
Willie Colón (born William Anthony Colón Román, 1950) is a Nuyorican salsa musician, trombonist, and political activist who became one of the most important figures in Latin music history. Born in the South Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Colón recorded his first album at age 17 and became a defining voice of salsa music.
His collaborations with Héctor Lavoe ('El Malo,' 'La Gran Fuga,' 'Cosa Nuestra') and later with Rubén Blades ('Siembra,' 'Canciones del Solar de los Aburridos') are considered among the greatest recordings in Latin music. 'Siembra' (1978) became the best-selling salsa album in history.
Colón's music was explicitly political, addressing colonialism, poverty, racism, and the Puerto Rican experience in the United States. His album covers frequently featured provocative imagery challenging stereotypes. He has been a vocal advocate for Puerto Rican independence and social justice.
Beyond music, Colón has been politically active: he ran for public advocate of New York City and has been involved in Democratic Party politics. He represents the tradition of the politically engaged Nuyorican artist — using cultural production as a vehicle for political consciousness.