Willie Colón left for eternity, but he has left an indelible legacy in salsa. We remember his best songs.
On this Saturday morning February 21 The death of salsa icon Willie Colón was confirmed at the age of 75. Although he managed to consolidate his career as a soloist in salsa, his legacy is also well remembered for forming a legendary duo with Héctor Lavoe and years later with Rubén Blades with whom he created ‘Siembra’, the most successful album in the history of salsa.
‘My lucky day’
‘El día de miluck’ is one of the most remembered songs in classic salsa and unites the talent of Willie Colón and the unmistakable voice of Héctor Lavoe. The song was released in 1973 as part of the album ‘Lo Mato’.
YOU CAN SEE: Jerry Rivas spoke exclusively with Radiomar after the death of Willie Colón
‘Peter Navaja’
‘Peter Navaja’ was released in 1978 on the album Sowingperformed alongside Rubén Blades. This song is one of the most famous in the history of salsa thanks to its narrative style and its urban history, achieving international success and marking a before and after in the genre.
(Photo: Facebook)
‘The great man’
‘The great man’ It is possibly the most emblematic song of Willie Colón’s solo stage and a milestone in the history of salsa for its brave social content. Released in 1989 as part of the album Top Secrets, the song was composed by Panamanian Omar Alfanno. In a time where HIV/AIDS and gender identity were taboo topics (especially in conservative Latin culture), Willie Colón dared to interpret a chronicle about the transition of Simón, a young man who decides to live as a woman abroad, and the rejection of his father, Don Andrés.
YOU CAN SEE: Willie Colón, undisputed legend of salsa, died at the age of 75
‘Gypsy’
‘Gypsy’ It is not only one of the greatest successes of Willie Colon, but the song that consolidated his definitive transition from star arranger to world-class soloist. Included on the album Fantasmas (1981), this composition by Custodio Castelo allowed the ‘Malo del Bronx’ to demonstrate a vocal maturity that connected with audiences beyond the neighborhood.
‘Idyll’
Included on the disc ‘Made in Puerto Rico’ (1993), this song confirmed that Willie Colón knew how to move with ease in the romantic field without leaving aside his street style. Furthermore, the trombone that opens the song became one of the most identifiable and remembered solos in all of salsa.
Listen to Radiomar, today’s salsa, traditional salsa, live on OIGO, our official app and find out the latest news about your favorite artists and their music!
