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William ColonPuerto Rican Salsa Music Idol
Date of Birth: 28.04.1950
Country:  USA |
Content:
- William Colón: Puerto Rican Salsa Icon
- Musical Career
- Collaboration and Impact
- Political Involvement and Social Activism
- Awards and Recognitions
- Present-Day Activities
William Colón: Puerto Rican Salsa Icon
Early Life and InfluencesWilliam Anthony Colón was born in the Bronx, New York, on April 28, 1950, to Puerto Rican parents. He picked up the trumpet at a young age, later switching to the trombone, inspired by Eddie Palmieri's 1960s music.
Musical Career
At age 15, Colón began working with Fania Records and recorded his debut album at 17, selling over 300,000 copies. His proposed vocalist was killed in a street brawl, leading the label's head to suggest Hector Lavoe as a replacement. This resulted in a highly successful partnership that lasted until 1973, when Colón left touring to focus on family and business ventures to ensure financial stability.
Colón's music masterfully combined elements of jazz, rock, and salsa, incorporating rhythms from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Africa. Central to his work was the relationship between the diaspora and the Caribbean homeland, as depicted in the lyrics and music of his 1971 Christmas album "Asalto navideño."
Collaboration and Impact
Throughout his career, Colón collaborated with renowned salsa musicians and vocalists, including Ismael Miranda, Celia Cruz, Soledad Bravo, and singer-songwriter Rubén Blades. Their album "Siembra" with Blades became the best-selling salsa album of all time.
Political Involvement and Social Activism
Colón is both a vocal advocate for Puerto Rican and Latino independence and a liberal in political philosophy. He has been involved in New York City municipal politics and actively works on issues of human rights, immigration, and the environment.
Awards and Recognitions
Colón has released over 40 albums that have sold over 30 million copies worldwide. His work has earned him 15 gold, 5 platinum, and 11 Grammy nominations. In September 2004, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.
Present-Day Activities
Colón continues to serve on the board of the Association for Hispanic Arts and is actively involved in advising on issues of human rights, immigration, and environmental issues. He is currently an appointee of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
