Panamanian singer Rubén Blades delivered an extensive tribute to his former colleague Willie Colón, who passed away recently in New York. Blades emphasized that despite years of public distancing due to personal conflicts, particularly a legal dispute over funds from a concert, he holds deep admiration and respect for Colón's work. This announcement comes at a time when Blades seeks to honor their musical history from the 1970s, highlighting that resentment should not define their relationship even in death.

The conflict underpinning their estrangement arose from a lawsuit filed by Colón against Blades back in 2003. The lawsuit concerned financial matters from a concert where the duo celebrated 25 years of their iconic album, "Siembra." Despite the tension that characterized their communication over the years, Blades chose to focus on the positive aspects of their partnership, stating that he would never allow hatred to invade the memories of their shared professional journey.

This tribute not only resolves lingering questions about their relationship but also serves as a powerful reminder of the impact Blades and Colón had in the music industry, particularly in the salsa genre. By addressing their past issues publicly, Blades advocates for a narrative rooted in respect and appreciation, potentially influencing how their story is told in both cultural and musical histories.