![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_6308-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/a>THE SCENE OUTSIDE New York Presbyterian Hospital in Westchester County in Bronxville, NY on Saturday night, Feb. 21, 2026, where reportedly salsa legend Willie Col\u00f3n died earlier the same day.\u00a0
Photo by S\u00edle Moloney<\/p>\nIt continued, \u201cWhile we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories he created that will live on forever. Our family is deeply grateful for your prayers and support during this time of mourning. We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate our grief.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Tributes started to circulate online throughout Saturday, with Grammy-nominated and fellow Bronx musician, Bobby Sanabria, writing simply, \u201cREST IN POWER\u201d in response to the news of Col\u00f3n\u2019s death. Indeed, many of the artists who have performed at The Bronx\u2019s Lehman Center for the Performing Arts and at other Bronx venues highlight in their biographies that they played with Col\u00f3n over the course of their careers, including the late legendary salsa musician and Fania Records co-founder, Johnny Pacheco, known as the \u201cGodfather of Salsa,\u201d who died Feb. 15, 2021, at the age of 85.<\/p>\n
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The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade committee shared their sorrow at the news, writing simply, \u201cRest in peace Willie Col\u00f3n,\u201d along with a poignant musical accompaniment in the form of Col\u00f3n\u2019s \u201cCuando me Muera,\u201d [\u201cWhen I die.\u201d]<\/p>\n
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Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James said of the late musical icon, \u201cFrom his music, to his time serving his communities, Willie Col\u00f3n was a Bronx legend, and his legacy will live on. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
THE SCENE OUTSIDE New York Presbyterian Hospital in Westchester County in Bronxville, NY on Saturday night, Feb. 21, 2026, where salsa legend Willie Col\u00f3n reportedly died earlier the same day. Video by S\u00edle Moloney<\/p>\n
For her part, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said, \u201cWillie Col\u00f3n was a Nuyorican legend, artist and organizer who influenced generations of salsa and Latin jazz musicians. A Bronx native and Bronx Walk of Fame inductee who leaves behind a legacy of cultural pride, political consciousness, and groundbreaking sound. May he Rest in Peace and Power.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Col\u00f3n\u2019s Bronx Walk of Fame biography reads, \u201cWillie Col\u00f3n is a renowned Puerto Rican musician, composer, and bandleader known for his significant contributions to salsa music. Col\u00f3n has played a pivotal role in shaping salsa music throughout his career. Col\u00f3n\u2019s musical journey began at a young age when he started playing the trumpet and singing in local bands. His music fused elements of Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz, and rock, creating a unique sound that captured an international audience.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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It continues, \u201cCol\u00f3n\u2019s collaborations with H\u00e9ctor Lavoe were influential. Together, they released a series of classic albums, including \u201cCosa Nuestra\u201d (1970) and \u201cComedia\u201d (1978). Their partnership produced numerous hits that have become classics, such as \u201cChe Che Col\u00e9,\u201d \u201cEl Dia De Mi Suerte\u201d and \u201cEl Cantante.\u201d Col\u00f3n also addressed important social issues of inequality through his music. He produced one of his most impactful albums with Ruben Blades, \u201cSiembra\u201d exploring themes of life, poverty, morality, and the struggle for survival.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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It concludes, \u201cSiembra\u201d is considered to be the best selling salsa album in the history of salsa music. Another masterpiece was, \u201cSeg\u00fan el Color,\u201d this song sparked conversations about identity, social class, perception, and race. His talent and commitment to social issues through his music have made him an influential figure in the industry and a true icon of salsa music.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
THE SOUND OF Latin (though not salsa) music is heard at an upstairs venue on East Gun Hill Road on Saturday night, Feb. 21, 2026, as Hispanic Bronxites celebrate the birthday of an 18-year-old girl on the same day that salsa legend Willie Col\u00f3n dies. Video by S\u00edle Moloney<\/p>\n
Bronx resident and freelance photographer with the Norwood News, Miriam Qui\u00f1ones, said of the late musician, \u201cHe was a big legend. My mother used to play his music when we used to go to family gatherings. They used to play salsa. We went to clubs and everyone would be looking more at him, and not dancing.\u201d<\/p>\n
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There was no sign of fans outside the hospital on Saturday evening, and hospital representatives declined to comment as to whether Col\u00f3n had been a patient or whether his remains were still on site.<\/p>\n
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Later on Saturday night in the Norwood section of The Bronx, Latin (though not all salsa) music was heard streaming from an upstairs venue on East Gun Hill Road where a birthday party for an 18-year-old girl was being celebrated. Asked for her reaction to news of Col\u00f3n\u2019s death and his legacy in the Hispanic community, speaking in Spanish, one guest at the party, Viviana, said she was not actually familiar with Col\u00f3n.<\/p>\n
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Meanwhile, when asked if Col\u00f3n was well known throughout Latin America, a Mexican male attendee, estimated to be in his late thirties who declined to be identified, said, also in Spanish, that he had been. He added, \u201cI first got to hear about him when when I was maybe around 16. The truth is he holds very special recognition among people. We respect him.. well, those who knew him\u2026more than anything he had a great sound on his trombone. He knew how to play well and we respect him.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Funeral details for Col\u00f3n are yet to be announced.<\/p>\n
Songwriters: William Anthony Col\u00f3n and Leonardo Correa\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cuando yo muera no quiero que lloren
No quiero ver que ninguno derrame ni una sola l\u00e1grima por m\u00ed
Tampoco quiero que me lleven flores
Ni que me entierren leyendo papeles
Escribiendo cartas que quiz\u00e1s ni entienda<\/p>\n
Cuando yo muera quiero recorrer
Todo lugar donde yace mi cuerpo
Que ahora sin vida todos quieren ver
Nadie quer\u00eda cuando estaba enfermo
Que ahora sin vida todos quieren ver
Nadie quer\u00eda cuando estaba enfermo<\/p>\n
\u00bfPara qu\u00e9 las flores, para qu\u00e9 me lloran?, si voy a estar muerto
\u00bfPa qu\u00e9 compa\u00f1\u00eda?, si voy a estar solo all\u00e1 en el cementerio
\u00a1Ay!, \u00bfpa qu\u00e9 compa\u00f1\u00eda?, si voy a estar solo all\u00e1 en el cementerio<\/p>\n
No me vayan a llorar
No me vayan a llorar
Nada ganan con llorar<\/p>\n
Despu\u00e9s que todo est\u00e1 ya consumado
Comenzar\u00e1n a hablar de mi pasado, de lo bueno que era
Y con el tiempo se ir\u00e1n olvidando
Regresar\u00e1n otra vez con los a\u00f1os pa poder ver lo que del cuerpo queda<\/p>\n
Y volver\u00e1n a llorar otra vez
Y mis cenizas se las lleva el viento
Y sin consuelo estar\u00e1 mi mujer
Si es que no tiene un nuevo compa\u00f1ero
Y sin consuelo estar\u00e1 mi mujer
Si es que no tiene un nuevo compa\u00f1ero<\/p>\n
\u00bfPara qu\u00e9 las flores, para qu\u00e9 me lloran?, si voy a estar muerto
\u00bfPa qu\u00e9 compa\u00f1\u00eda?, si voy a estar solo all\u00e1 en el cementerio
\u00a1Ay!, \u00bfpa qu\u00e9 compa\u00f1\u00eda?, si voy a estar solo all\u00e1 en el cementerio<\/p>\n
No me vayan a llorar
No me vayan a llorar
No me vayan a llorar
Nada ganan con llorar<\/p>\n
En el a\u00f1o 2008
Te juro que no creo en nadie
Hay tantos que est\u00e1n y no son
Y muchos que son y no est\u00e1n, \u00a1compadre!<\/p>\n
No me vayan a llorar
No me vayan a llorar
No me vayan a llorar
Nada ganan con llorar<\/p>\n
Que se acerca el ministro
Pa darme con su presencia
Y en el bolsillo me pone un cheque
Me dice, hermano, aclare la cuenta<\/p>\n
No me vayan a llorar
No me vayan a llorar
No me vayan a llorar
Nada ganan con llorar<\/p>\n
Eh, llegaron de todos lados
A ver si, por fin, era cierto
Vino Mercado, Blades, Marc Anthony
Santa Rosa y Van Lester, t\u00fa ve<\/p>\n
Eh, con esa cara de \u201cyo no fui\u201d, echa p\u2019all\u00e1 (no me vayan a llorar)
Eh, t\u00fa, \u201cllanto de cocodrilo\u201d, no vengas m\u00e1s (nada ganas con llorar)
Si fuiste malo conmigo, ya t\u00fa ver\u00e1s (no me vayan a llorar)
M\u00e1s all\u00e1 de la tumba te vo\u2019a buscar (nada ganas con llorar)<\/p>\n
\u00a1Ay!, no te guilles, no te guilles
Que t\u00fa siempre fuiste una gallina (no me vayan a llorar)
A mi velorio, t\u00fa no vengas a guapear (nada ganar con llorar)
\u00a1Toma!<\/p>\n
No me vayan a llorar
No me vayan a llorar
No me vayan a llorar<\/p>\n
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Eh, yo fui tu Sans\u00f3n Batalla
Danzan en la muralla, a ti el miedo te desmaya
Yo nunca fui rinquincalla, antes tirar la toalla
Quiero que sepas, no me venga a llorar
Cuando yo me vaya<\/p>\n
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When I Die\u00a0<\/p>\n
(Rough English Translation via Google Translate)<\/p>\n
Songwriters: William Anthony Col\u00f3n and Leonardo Correa<\/p>\n
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\u201cWhen I die, I don\u2019t want anyone to cry.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t want to see anyone shed a single tear for me.<\/p>\n
Nor do I want them to bring me flowers.<\/p>\n
Or bury me reading papers, writing letters I might not even understand.<\/p>\n
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When I die, I want to visit<\/p>\n
Every place where my body lies, places that now, lifeless, everyone wants to see.<\/p>\n
No one wanted to see me when I was sick.<\/p>\n
Why the flowers, why the tears? If I\u2019m going to be dead<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the point of company? If I\u2019m going to be alone there in the cemetery<\/p>\n
Oh!, what\u2019s the point of company? If I\u2019m going to be alone there in the cemetery<\/p>\n
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Don\u2019t cry for me<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t cry for me<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t cry for me<\/p>\n
You gain nothing by crying<\/p>\n
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In 2008, I swear I don\u2019t believe in anyone<\/p>\n
There are so many who are there but aren\u2019t<\/p>\n
And many who are there but aren\u2019t, buddy!<\/p>\n
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Don\u2019t cry for me<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t cry for me<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t cry for me<\/p>\n
You gain nothing by crying<\/p>\n
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The minister is coming<\/p>\n
To impress me with his presence<\/p>\n
And he puts a check in my pocket<\/p>\n
He tells me, brother, settle the account<\/p>\n
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Don\u2019t cry for me<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t cry for me<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t cry for me<\/p>\n
You gain nothing by crying<\/p>\n
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Hey, they came from everywhere<\/p>\n
To see if, finally, it was true<\/p>\n
Mercado, Blades, Marc Anthony came<\/p>\n
Santa Rosa and Van Lester, you see<\/p>\n
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Hey, with that \u201cit wasn\u2019t me\u201d face, get out of here (don\u2019t cry for me)<\/p>\n
Hey, you, \u201ccrocodile cry,\u201d don\u2019t come back (you gain nothing by crying)<\/p>\n
If you were bad to me, you\u2019ll see (don\u2019t cry for me)<\/p>\n
Beyond the grave I\u2019ll look for you (you gain nothing by crying)<\/p>\n
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Oh!, don\u2019t get cocky, don\u2019t get cocky<\/p>\n
Because you were always a chicken (don\u2019t cry for me (cry)<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t come to my wake trying to be tough (you\u2019ll gain nothing by crying)<\/p>\n
Take this!<\/p>\n
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Don\u2019t cry for me<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t cry for me<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t cry for me<\/p>\n
Hey, I was your Samson Battle<\/p>\n
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They dance on the wall, fear makes you faint<\/p>\n
I was never one to back down, I\u2019d rather throw in the towel<\/p>\n
I want you to know, don\u2019t come crying to me<\/p>\n
When I\u2019m gone\u201d<\/p>\n
*David Greene contributed to this story.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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By S\u00cdLE MOLONEY THE FAMILY OF 10-time Grammy-nominated salsa legend, producer, actor, and social activist Willie Col\u00f3n…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":141568,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[128,9,24,63,129,131,130],"class_list":{"0":"post-141741","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-the-bronx","8":"tag-bronx","9":"tag-new-york","10":"tag-new-york-city","11":"tag-nyc","12":"tag-the-bronx","13":"tag-the-bronx-headlines","14":"tag-the-bronx-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141741","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=141741"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/141741\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/141568"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=141741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=141741"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=141741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.norwoodnews.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/640169748_1463396655148651_7964188562051939304_n-1.jpg\")
<\/a>THE FAMILY OF 10-time Grammy-nominated salsa legend, producer, actor, and social activist Willie Col\u00f3n announce his death on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, via social media.\u00a0