New York City is saying a final goodbye to the "King of Salsa." Hundreds of mourners gathered today, Monday, March 9, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a public funeral Mass honoring Willie Colón. The legendary trombonist and composer died on February 21 at the age of 75. Fans stood alongside fellow artists to pay tribute to the man who helped define the urban salsa sound for generations.

Colón passed away peacefully at a Westchester County hospital, surrounded by his family. Known affectionately as "El Malo," the Grammy-nominated musician wasn't just a master of the trombone; he was a fierce social activist. During his decades-long career, he released iconic albums like Cosa Nuestra and Siembra, the latter recorded with Rubén Blades for Fania Records. His influence reached far beyond the recording studio and into the heart of the Bronx where his journey began.

While today’s Mass allowed the public to share in the grief, the family has requested privacy for the upcoming burial. Sources close to the estate confirmed that the interment will be a strictly private affair. For the fans gathered in Manhattan today, the focus remains on the music and the massive cultural impact Colón left behind. His legacy as a pioneer of the Latin music explosion in the 1970s remains unmatched.