Willie Colón

This article is about the musician. For the American football player, see Willie Colon (American football).
In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Colón and the second or maternal family name is Román.

Willie Colón
Colón in 2017
Background information
Born
William Anthony Colón Román

(1950-04-28)April 28, 1950
New York City, U.S.
DiedFebruary 21, 2026(2026-02-21) (aged 75)
Bronxville, New York, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • producer
  • activist
  • arranger
  • musical director
  • composer
  • singer
Instruments
Years active1967–2026
Labels
Websitewww.williecolon.com

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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