American musician Willie Colón, known as a pioneering trombone player in salsa and a prominent figure in Latin music, died on Saturday at the age of 75, with confirmation from his family via a Facebook post. While the cause of his death was not disclosed, his family expressed both mourning and gratitude for the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories he created. Born William Anthony Colón Román on April 28, 1950, in the Bronx, New York, Colón embraced his Puerto Rican heritage early on, learning Spanish from his grandmother. Colón began his musical career at the age of 15 when he signed with Fania Records, a label dedicated to salsa music. He released his debut album, "El Malo," in 1967 alongside the legendary vocalist Héctor Lavoe, which achieved over 300,000 copies sold and marked the beginning of a successful collaboration that profoundly influenced generations of musicians. Throughout his six-decade career, Colón's music blended elements of jazz, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and traditional Puerto Rican sounds, earning him acclaim as a major force in the salsa genre. His impact on salsa music and Latin culture was significant, inspiring countless artists and contributing to the genre's mainstream popularity. Colón's work not only celebrated his cultural roots but also facilitated a larger appreciation for salsa music worldwide, ensuring his legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of fans and musicians alike for years to come.