Watch: Dozens of trombones play at pioneering salsa musician's funeral
Willie Colón, who died in February, was played out of St Patrick's Cathedral in New York by a symphony of brass players.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Colón not only changed salsa, but also expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles, and took it to stages where it hadn’t been heard before."
— Pietro Carlos , Celebrity
"While we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories that will live on forever."
— Willie Colón , Celebrity
"Crecí escuchando su música por herencia de mi padre"
— Joseph Armando Espaillat , Other
Key People
Alejandro Miguel Colón is one of Willie Colón's sons who spoke at his father's funeral.
David Dinkins was the mayor of New York City during Willie Colón's public service.
Diego Colón is one of Willie Colón's sons who spoke at his father's funeral.
Eliot Engel was a U.S. Representative whom Willie Colón challenged in a Democratic primary.
Joseph Armando Espaillat is an auxiliary bishop of New York of Dominican origin.
Michael Bloomberg served as mayor of New York City and was an adviser to Willie Colón.
Willie Colón's long-time manager who paid tribute to his legacy.
Willie Colón was a renowned salsa musician and bandleader known for his influential contributions to the genre.
Tags
All Coverage
Willie Colón, who died in February, was played out of St Patrick's Cathedral in New York by a symphony of brass players.
Hundreds of trombonists bid farewell to Willie Colón at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, playing his iconic songs in a massive tribute following his death at 75 due to respiratory complications.
Family, friends, and fans gathered at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York to honor Willie Colón, the Grammy-nominated architect of urban salsa music, who passed away at 75. The funeral Mass was followed by a private burial.
Family, friends, and fans gathered at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York to pay tribute to Willie Colón, the Grammy-nominated architect of urban salsa music, who died last month at 75. A public funeral Mass was held, followed by a private burial.
New York bid farewell to salsa icon Willie Colón with a public funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, followed by a musical tribute featuring trombones playing his iconic songs.
New York said goodbye to Willie Colón with a public funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, followed by a musical tribute featuring trombones playing his iconic songs.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Thousands of Spaniards march to mark death of octogenarian at heart of housing protests - Reuters
Thousands of Spaniards march to mark death of octogenarian at heart of housing protests Reuters
October 8, 2026 at 11:30 PMBlue Planet and Gandhi composer George Fenton dies aged 76
The musician received five Oscar nominations, and soundtracked dozens of memorable nature films.
October 5, 2026 at 10:58 PMHow a scientist used Britpop to reach Mars
Colin Pillinger died believing that Beagle 2 had not landed, and now his work is being celebrated around the UK.
October 8, 2026 at 05:39 AMSpanish pensioner whose eviction sparked nationwide protests dies, union says
Maricarmen Abascal, 87, was forcibly removed on a stretcher from her apartment of more than 70 years in September.
October 8, 2026 at 12:09 AMSpanish woman whose eviction ignited housing protests dies at 87 - Reuters
Spanish woman whose eviction ignited housing protests dies at 87 Reuters
October 7, 2026 at 09:43 PMMusic group with learning difficulties fulfils late MP's Broadway dream
The Music Man Project is a charity in Essex that teaches music to people with learning disabilities.
October 9, 2026 at 05:17 AM