Willie Colón, renowned salsa musician and pioneer, has died at the age of 75. Born in the Bronx, New York, to Puerto Rican parents, he was raised by his grandmother from Manatí, Puerto Rico, who instilled in him a strong Puerto Rican identity. Colón grew up listening to Caribbean music and began playing trumpet at age 11, later mastering the trombone. He was a founding member of the Fania All Stars and became a key figure in the development of urban salsa, collaborating with legends like Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, and Celia Cruz. His early success included hit albums such as 'El Malo' and the influential 'Siembra' with Blades, which sold over 3 million copies. Colón's music combined jazz, mambo, son, and other Caribbean rhythms, and he was known for his rebellious image and socially conscious lyrics. Throughout his career, he released over 40 albums, sold more than 30 million copies, and received 11 Grammy nominations. He was hospitalized recently due to heart and respiratory issues and passed away in Bronxville, New York. His legacy continues to influence Latin music and salsa worldwide.