Assembly Resolution No. 1029

BY: M. of A. Zaccaro

MOURNING the death of Willie Colon, pioneering
trombonist, composer, vocalist, and cultural icon

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor the lives of distinguished individuals whose extraordinary
achievements and dedication have made a profound impact upon their
communities, this State, and the Nation; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Willie Colon, who died on
Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the age of 75, and to celebrate a life
defined by artistic innovation, cultural pride, and public service; and

WHEREAS, Born on April 28, 1950, in the South Bronx to Puerto Rican
parents, Willie Colon was raised by his grandmother, who nurtured his
early passion for music and encouraged his artistic pursuits; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 17, he recorded his first album, El Malo,
released in 1967, which went on to sell more than 300,000 copies and
established him as a formidable new voice in Latin music; and

WHEREAS, As a teenager, he joined the cadre of artists who formed
the legendary New York-based label Fania Records, helping to pioneer and
popularize what would become known worldwide as salsa music; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his illustrious career, Willie Colon
recorded dozens of influential albums, including La Gran Fuga (1970) and
El Juicio (1972), works that expanded the reach and sophistication of
Latin music; and

WHEREAS, His musical style uniquely blended elements of jazz, rock,
and salsa, incorporating rhythms and traditions from Cuba, Puerto Rico,
Brazil, and Africa, while exploring the cultural identity and
experiences of Puerto Ricans in the United States; and

WHEREAS, In collaboration with Panamanian singer-songwriter Ruben
Blades, he produced groundbreaking recordings including Siembra and
Canciones del Solar de los Aburridos, which featured celebrated songs
such as Tiburon and Ligia Elena; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Willie Colon received numerous
accolades in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to music,
including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Academy of
Recording Arts and Sciences in 2004; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, Billboard named him one of the 30 most influential
Latin artists of all time, affirming his lasting influence on
generations of musicians and audiences; and

WHEREAS, Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Willie Colon was a
dedicated social activist who served as a member of the Latino
Commission on AIDS and the United Nations Immigrant Foundation, and as a

board member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, advancing
causes of public health, immigrant rights, and Latino leadership; and

WHEREAS, His life's work stands as a testament to the cultural
contributions of Puerto Ricans and Latinos in New York State and
throughout the Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Willie Colon, honoring his remarkable life, his
immeasurable contributions to music and culture, and his steadfast
commitment to community and social justice; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Willie Colon.