"Born in the Bronx in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, Colon recorded dozens of albums including La Gran Fuga (The Big Break) in 1970 and El Juicio in 1972, according to Fania Records, a label that promoted salsa music. He signed with Fania at age 15 and, two years later, in 1967, released his first album, El Malo, which has sold more than 300,000 copies, according to his biography on the Los Angeles Philharmonic website."
"Colon's music combined elements of jazz, rock and salsa, incorporating the rhythms of traditional music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Africa, the biography said. A significant overarching theme in Colon's music which draws from many cultures and several different styles is an exploration of the competing associations that Puerto Ricans have with their home and with the United States, it said."
Willie Colon died at age 75; his family announced his passing on his Facebook page and the cause of death was not disclosed. He was born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents and recorded dozens of albums, including La Gran Fuga (1970) and El Juicio (1972). He signed with Fania Records at 15 and released his first album, El Malo, in 1967, which sold over 300,000 copies. His music blended jazz, rock and salsa with rhythms from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Africa. His work explored Puerto Rican identity and the tensions between homeland and the United States. He received a 2004 lifetime achievement award and was active in Latino social causes, including the Latino Commission on AIDS and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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