Willie Colón American Singer (1950–2026)
Willie Colón · singer and jazz musician · American
Biography
Born on 28 April 1950 in The Bronx, Willie Colón was an American singer. Willie Colón died on 21 February 2026 at the age of 75. The recorded cause of death is respiratory failure. He performed as part of Willie Colón & Héctor Lavoe.
Career
The records list further membership in Willie Colón & Rubén Blades. Released between 1967 and 2009, 17 albums and one single carry his name. El Malo (1967) is the oldest release listed, Estar Lejos (2009) the newest. He worked mainly in salsa and boogaloo. He is listed as playing trombone. He has released music through Fania Records.
There are 3 screen credits listed as well, such as It Could Happen to You (1994) and The Last Fight (1983). His other notable work includes Cosa Nuestra, El Juicio and Guisando.
Recognition
Among his honours is a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, won in 2004. Other wins include the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame (2007) for Siembra and the International Latin Music Hall of Fame (2001). His awards record shows 4 wins.
Groups and bands
- Willie Colón & Héctor Lavoe
- Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Discography
18 releases| Year | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Estar Lejos | Single |
| 2008 | El Malo vol. II: Prisioneros del mambo | Album |
| 1995 | Tras La Tormenta | Album |
| 1989 | Top Secrets | Album |
| 1983 | Tiempo Pa' Matar | Album |
| 1982 | Corazón Guerrero | Album |
| 1982 | The Last Fight | Album |
| 1981 | Fantasmas | Album |
| 1977 | El Baquine de Angelitos Negros | Album |
| 1975 | The Good, the Bad, the Ugly | Album |
| 1973 | Lo Mato | Album |
| 1972 | El Juicio | Album |
| 1970 | Asalto Navideño | Album |
| 1970 | Cosa Nuestra | Album |
| 1970 | La Gran Fuga | Album |
Show all 18 releases
| Year | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Guisando | Album |
| 1968 | The Hustler | Album |
| 1967 | El Malo | Album |
Awards and nominations
4 won, 0 nominated| Year | Award | For | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame | Won | |
| 2007 | Latin Grammy Hall of Fame | Siembra | Won |
| 2004 | Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award | Won | |
| 2001 | International Latin Music Hall of Fame | Won |
Filmography
3 credits| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | It Could Happen to You | Film | |
| 1983 | The Last Fight | Film | |
| 1982 | Vigilante | Film |
Willie Colón on Social Media
Counts with the date they were readFrequently asked questions
How old was Willie Colón at the time of death?
Willie Colón died on 21 February 2026 at the age of 75. He was born on 28 April 1950.
What was Willie Colón’s cause of death?
According to Wikidata, Willie Colón died on 21 February 2026; the recorded cause of death is respiratory failure.
What is Willie Colón known for?
Willie Colón was known as a former member of Willie Colón & Héctor Lavoe.
What is Willie Colón’s nationality?
Willie Colón was American, born in The Bronx.
Has Willie Colón won any awards?
Yes. 4 awards are on record, including Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (2019).
Sources
- Wikidata (Q1388336), accessed October 2026
- Follower counts: dated individually above
- Photo: latinustv · CC BY 3.0
Last checked by the Wiki of Celebs editorial team
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