Colón was born in the Bronx, New York, of Puerto Rican parents. He was signed to the Fania label at 17. He went on to have many successful colaborations with salsa musicians such as singers Héctor Lavoe and Celia Cruz, and singer-songwriter Rubén Blades.
Willie Colón was also involved in the campaigns to end the Military occupation and practice bombing of the Puerto Rican island municipality of Vieques.
In 2002, Willie Colón was retained by NYC and COMPANY (The City of New York Convention and Visitor’s Bureau) as a Senior Advisor and Consultant, he was also appointed as Mayor Bloomberg’s representative to El Museo Del Barrio.
This concert was also critically acclaimed by the press for the excellent musical performance by Willie and Ruben and their All Star Orchestra that was composed of members of both Ruben and Willies present and former band members.
Colon informed Fania boss, Jerry Masucci, of his ambition to record with Ruben, but a few years had to elapse before they were both free to work together.
Fantasmas (1981), Colon's second solo project as a lead singer, was his biggest seller to date, went platinum and won him ACE awards for 'Singer of the Year' and 'Album of the Year'.
Colon's penultimate collaboration with Blades, Canciones del Solar de los Aburridos (1981), was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1983.
Feeds |
Contact