PC
Pietro Carlos
Celebrity
Willie Colón's long-time manager who paid tribute to his legacy.
Notable Quotes
"Today, We've lost an architect of the New York sound, a trombonist who made metals his banner and wrote eternal chapters in music history."View Story →
"From 'El Malo' to anthems that defined generations, his work wasn't just music, it was identity, neighborhood, consciousness, and resistance."View Story →
"Willie didn’t just change salsa. He expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles and took it to stages where it hadn’t been before. His trombone was the voice of the people."View Story →
"Willie didn't just change salsa; he expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles."View Story →
"Willie didn't just change salsa; he expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles, and took it to stages where it hadn't been heard before."View Story →
"Colón not only changed salsa, but also expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles, and took it to stages where it hadn’t been heard before."View Story →
Related Stories
Watch: Dozens of trombones play at pioneering salsa musician's funeral
Willie Colón, who died in February, was played out of St Patrick's Cathedral in New York by a symphony of brass players.
March 9, 2026Willie Colón, trombonist who pioneered salsa music, dies aged 75
His career spanned 60 years and dozens of albums and had been named among the most influential Latino artists of all time.
February 22, 2026