Legendary Trombonist Willie Colón's Cause of Death: Everything We Know So Far

Salsa music pioneer Willie Colón has died at the age of 75. The musician was best known for defining New York's salsa scene in the 1960s and transforming the repuation of the genre.

The singer was mockingly nicknamed 'El Malo' ('The Bad One') by an older generation of musicians who failed to connect with his music, but this quickly became a term of endearment following his massive global success.

No Official Casue of Death for Willie Colón Has Been Given

Despite some reports that Colón's death could be related to an alleged hospitalization for respiratory complications (via Art Threat), there has been no official cause of death listed for the legendary musician.

The BBC reports that Colón "passed away peacefully [...] surrounded by his loving family" on the morning of Saturday, February 21. His family provded the information on social media shortly after his passing.

"While we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories he created that will love on forever," they said.

The singer and musician, whose family hailed from Puerto Rico, had a career that spanned over sixty years and introduced a whole new generation of American listeners to salsa music for the first time.

Colón was recently mentioned during the Super Bowlhalftime show just a few weeks ago, appearing in the lyrics of Bad Bunny's hit "NUEVAYoL", which pays tribute to Puerto Rican culture in New York City.

The rapper paid trubute to Colón at his recent concert in Brazil, calling him "one of the legends" and crediting him with "keeping the music, salsa and all Caribbean rhythms alive." (via The Guardian)