Willie Colón was an American salsa musician and social activist, best known for albums such as “Fantasmas.” He began his career as a trombonist, but also sang, wrote, produced, and acted. Colón died in 2026 at the age of 75, ending a major chapter in salsa history.
Willie Colon Biography
| Full Name | William Anthony Colon Roman |
| Nickname | Willie Colon |
| Profession | Musician, producer, activist |
| Date of Birth | 28 April 1950 |
| Age | 75 years old (at the time of death in 2026) |
| Birth Place | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| School/College | Westchester County Police Academy |
| Education Qualification | Graduated in 2014 |
| Gender | Male |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Date of Death | 21 February 2026 |
| Place of Death | New York City, USA |
| Cause of Death | Due to respiratory issues |
| Social Media | YouTube |
Willie Colon Age
Willie Colon was born on 28 April 1950 in the South Bronx in New York City to Puerto Rican Parents. He was 75 years old at the time of his death in 2026, and his zodiac sign was Taurus.
Willie Colon Wife
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Girlfriend | Julia |
| Spouse/Wife | Julia Colon |
| Children | Four children |
Willie Colon Family
| Father’s Name | Not publicly known |
| Mother’s Name | Not publicly known |
| Brother’s Name | Not known |
| Sister’s Name | Not known |
Willie Colon Albums
- 1967 – El Malo
- 1968 – The Hustler
- 1970 – Cosa Nuestra
- 1972 – El Juicio
- 1974 – Willie
- 1977 – El Baquine de Angelitos Negros
- 1978 – Siembra
- 1981 – Fatasmas
- 1982 – The Last Fight
- 1984 – Tiempo Pa’ Matar
- 1987 – The Winners
- 1992 – Honry y Cultura
- 1994 – The Best II
- 1995– Tras La Tromenta
- 1999 – Mi Gran Amor
- 2002 – Idilio
- 2005 – Coleccion de Oro
- 2007 – The Player
- 2010 – Historia de la Salsa
- 2013 – Serie Premium: Solo Exitos
Willie Colon Height And Weight
| Height (approx) | In centimeters – 185 cm In meters – 1.85 m In feet & inches – 6’1” |
| Weight (approx) | In kilograms – 85 kg In pounds – 186 cm |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Brown |
Willie Colon Net Worth
American musician and activist Willie Colon had a net worth of $20 million at the time of his death in 2026. He made most of this fortune during his heyday with Fania Records. Beyond his musical background, he also proved to be a savvy businessman.
| Net Worth (approx) | $20 million (at the time of death in 2026) |
| Annual Income (approx) | $300,000 (at the time of death) |
| Salary (approx) | Not a fixed salary |
| Income Source | Record sales, live shows, production work, and other |
Some Interesting Facts About Willie Colon
- Willie Colon was born to Puerto Rican parents but raised by his aunt and grandmother.
- Raised in New York, he maintained strong ties to Puerto Rico, spending summers with family on the island.
- He picked up the trumpet from a young age, but later switched to trombone.
- During childhood, he was influenced by the all-trombone sound of Mon Rivera and Barry Rogers.
- At age 15, he was signed to Fania Records and recorded his first album at age 17.
- From the age of 16, Willie Colon was a civil rights, community, and political activist.
- In 1995, he became the first person of color to serve on the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
- He served as the representative advisor to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
- He also worked extensively as a producer and arranger, including collaborations with Celia Cruz.
- He spent childhood summers at his grandmother’s sister’s farm in Manati, Puerto Rico.
- Colon’s early success was closely tied to his partnership with vocalist Hector Lavoe.
- In the mid-1970s, Willie began collaborating with Panamanian singer-songwriter Ruben Blades.
- He worked on the mayoral campaign of David Dinkins in the 1980s.
- He rose to the rank of deputy lieutenant and served part-time for eight years before resigning in 2022.
- Until his death, Willie Colon was married to Julia Colon, with whom he had four children.
- In 2017, he announced that he voted for the Republican nominee Donald Trump.
- Willie Colon died on 21 February 2026, at the age of 75, due to respiratory issues.
FAQ:
How old was Willie Colon?
At the time of death, Willie Colon was 75 years old in 2026.
Who is Willie Colon’s wife?
Willie Colon was married to Julia (until his death).
What was Willie Colon’s net worth?
Willie Colon’s net worth was $20 million at the time of death.
What happened to Willie Colon?
Willie Colon died on 21 February 2026, at age 75.
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