Biography
Willie Colon is a famous American Salsa Musician Producer, & Social Activist. He was born on April 28, 1950, in the South Bronx, New York City. He started his music career at a very young age, first, he learned trumpet and then switched to trombone. At the age of 15, he signed to Fania Records. He recorded his first album at the age of 17, this album sold almost 300,000 copies. He is also known as a pioneer of Salsa Music & became one of its best-selling artists.
Besides his music career, Colon is a kind-hearted person. He engages in various community & political activities, advocating for issues such as AIDS awareness and Latino representation.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Anthony Colón Román |
| Born | April 28, 1950 |
| Birthplace | South Bronx, New York City, USA |
| Ethnicity | Puerto Rican |
| Instruments | Trombone, Trumpet |
| Genres | Salsa, Latin Jazz, Jazz, Rock |
| Net Worth | $6 Million |
| Debut Album | Recorded at 17, sold over 300,000 copies |
| Record Label | Fania Records |
| Key Collaborators | Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades, Celia Cruz, Ismael Miranda |
| Political Roles | Special assistant and spokesperson for Mayor David Dinkins (1989–1993) |
| Political Run | Ran for New York’s 17th congressional district primary in 1994 |
| Activism | Member of the Latino Commission on AIDS, President of the Arthur Schomburg Coalition for a Better New York |
| Film Roles | Vigilante (1983), The Last Fight (1983), Miami Vice (1987), It Could Happen to You (1994) |
| Recognitions | Yale University’s Chubb Fellowship, Lifetime Achievement Award from The Latin Recording Academy (2004), Inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame (2000), Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (2019) |
| Recent Recognition | Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2018), “Lunas Del Auditorio Award” by El Auditorio Nacional in Mexico (2018) |
| Recent Event | Involved in a motorhome accident in 2021, survived serious injuries |
| Touring | Resumed limited touring at the age of 73, with successful box office responses |
| Current Role | Chair of the Association of Hispanic Arts |
Willie Colon Awards and Honors
| Year | Award/Honor |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Yale University’s Chubb Fellowship |
| 1999 | Jubilee 2000 delegation to the Vatican |
| 2004 | Lifetime Achievement Award from The Latin Recording Academy |
| 2000 | Inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame |
| 2019 | Inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame |
| 2006 | Portrayed in the biopic “El Cantante” |
| 2010 | Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Trombone Association |
| 2011 | Recognized by Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Association for social and community activism |
| 2015 | Named one of the 30 most influential Latin Artists of All Time by Billboard magazine |
| 2018 | Ellis Island Medal of Honor from The Ellis Island Honor Society |
| 2018 | “Lunas Del Auditorio Award” by El Auditorio Nacional in Mexico |
| 2021 | Involved in a motorhome accident, surviving serious injuries |
| Ongoing | Chair of the Association of Hispanic Arts |
FAQs about Willie Colon Net Worth
What is the full name of Willie Colon?
The full name of Willie Colon is William Anthony Colón Román.
What is the profession of Willie Colon?
Willie Colon is a musician, producer, and activist.
What is the age of Willie Colon?
Willie Colon is currently 73 years old, as he was born on April 28, 1950.
What is the height of Willie Colon?
The height of Willie Colon is not specified in the provided information.
What is the weight of Willie Colon?
The weight of Willie Colon is not specified in the provided information.
Who is Willie Colon’s spouse?
Willie Colon’s spouse is Julia Colón.
Who are Willie Colon’s parents?
Willie Colon’s parents are Puerto Rican.
Who are Willie Colon’s siblings?
Information about Willie Colon’s siblings is not provided in the available text.
What is the education of Willie Colon?
Details about Willie Colon’s education are not provided in the available text, but he began his career at a young age and had early success in his musical endeavors.
What are the major awards Willie Colon received?
Information about major awards received by Willie Colon is not provided in the available text, but he is recognized as a pioneer of Salsa music and has been a prominent figure in the New York City Salsa scene associated with Fania Records.
What is Willie Colon’s Net Worth?
Willie Colon’s Net Worth is approximately $6 Million.
