Here is the biography of Willie Colón:
Willie Colón, born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican grandparents, has spent his life blending his musical talents with his passion for humanity, community, and political activism. With a multifaceted career spanning decades, Colón has achieved numerous accolades, including being named one of the 30 most influential Latin artists of all time by Billboard Magazine.
As a musician, composer, arranger, singer, and trombonist, Colón has created 40 productions that have sold over 30 million records worldwide, with his albums "Asalto Navideño" and "Siembra" being the biggest-selling album of all time for this genre. His music has powerfully influenced modern Latin jazz, reflecting both traditional rhythms and the cries of farewell and hope from a new generation.
Colón's music career has been marked by numerous collaborations with renowned artists, including the Fania All Stars, Héctor LaVoe, Rubén Blades, David Byrne, and Celia Cruz. He has also won 11 Grammy nominations, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Grammy, 15 gold and 5 platinum records, and has been recognized by various organizations, including the Smithsonian Books, AllAboutJazz.com, and the New York Times.
As a community leader, Colón has been a civil rights, community, and political activist, chairing the Association of Hispanic Arts, serving on the board of the United Nations Immigrant Foundation, and participating in various organizations and initiatives. He has received numerous awards and recognition, including the CHUBB Fellowship from Yale University, the first minority to serve on the prestigious ASCAP National Board of Trustees, and the EPA's Environmental Quality Award.
Colón has also pursued various business ventures, including opening Salón 21 in Mexico City, one of the finest grand live music halls in the Americas, and hosting the International Women's Day fund raiser with UNIFEM and SEMILLAS. He has been involved in campaigns to end the military occupation and practice bombing of the Puerto Rican island municipality of Vieques and has received the Order of The Hawk from the President of the Dominican Republic.
Throughout his career, Colón has been recognized for his contributions to music, community, and politics, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and the public.
