Willie Colón: Biography, Facts and Career
Who is Willie Colón? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.

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".
Quick facts about Willie Colón
- Full name: Willie Colón
- Born: 1950-04-28
- Nationality: United States
- Known as: Musician
- Wikidata ID: Q1388336
Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Willie Colón?
William Anthony Colón Román (April 28, 1950 – February 21, 2026) was an American salsa musician and social activist.
What nationality is Willie Colón?
Willie Colón is United States.
When was Willie Colón born?
Willie Colón was born on 1950-04-28.



