What Is Willie Colón's Net Worth?
Willie Colón, a celebrated Nuyorican salsa musician and social activist, has a net worth of $6 million. His multi-dimensional career includes accomplishments as a trombonist, singer, actor, writer, and producer. He has been politically active in New York since the 1980s. Colón's 1978 collaboration with Rubén Blades, "Siembra," remains one of the best-selling albums in its genre.
His influential work with Héctor Lavoe helped to popularize salsa music across Latin America. Colón has released over 60 albums including notable works such as "The Hustler" (1968) and "Tras La Tormenta" (1995). He has also ventured into acting with appearances in films like "Vigilante" (1982) and "The Last Fight" (1983), and TV series such as "Miami Vice" (1987). Willie was portrayed by John Ortiz in the 2006 film "El Cantante," starring Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez.
Early Life
William Anthony Colón Román, known as Willie Colón, was born on April 28, 1950, in New York City. Raised in the South Bronx by Puerto Rican parents, Colón was introduced to music at a young age, initially playing the trumpet before switching to the trombone after being influenced by musicians Barry Rogers and Mon Rivera. Spending his summers in Puerto Rico with his family, he cultivated his musical background. At 15, Colón signed with Fania Records, and by 17, he released his first album, "El Malo," which sold over 300,000 copies.
Johnny Pacheco introduced Héctor Lavoe to Colón, leading to a successful musical partnership.
Music Career
Willie's dynamic fusion of salsa, jazz, and rock has earned him acclaim throughout his career. Notably, his 1978 album "Siembra" with Rubén Blades sold over three million copies and was enshrined in the Latin Grammy Hall of Fame. Among his collaborative works are albums with Soledad Bravo and Celia Cruz. According to his website, Colón holds the record for the highest album sales in the salsa genre, with over 40 productions and 30 million records sold globally. His 50th Anniversary Tour in 2016 marked his half-century milestone in music, followed by the announcement of his book "Barrio de Guapos" and a new record label, Willie Colon Presents, in 2017.
"Getty Images"
Politics
Willie Colón has been deeply involved in politics. He campaigned for New York City Mayor David Dinkins, serving as his spokesperson and special assistant from 1989 to 1993. Though he lost a 1994 bid for a congressional seat, he garnered over 100,000 votes in the 2001 race for New York City Public Advocate. Serving for 12 years as an advisor and liaison for Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Colón has been an influential voice in New York politics. He performed at The Earth Day Climate Rally in 2010 alongside notable artists like Sting and Joss Stone. Willie's political activities also include campaigning against Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and supporting opposition candidate Henrique Capriles Radonski. In 2014, Colón graduated from the Westchester County Police Academy and became a Deputy Sheriff, rising to the rank of Deputy Lieutenant by 2017.
Personal Life
In April 2021, Willie and his wife Julia were involved in a serious vehicle accident in North Carolina. While Julia sustained minor injuries, Willie's condition was critical, suffering from a fractured cervical vertebra, head trauma, and a significant scalp laceration. Despite these challenges, Willie's contributions have been widely recognized. He has received honorary degrees and prestigious accolades, including the Chubb Fellowship from Yale University.
Colón's commitment extends beyond music and politics. He has served in various roles such as President of the Arthur Schomburg Coalition and Chair of the Association of Hispanic Arts. His dedication to community service and the arts earned him positions on the boards of several notable organizations, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and United Nations Immigrant Foundation.
Willie is also a founding member of the New Rochelle Hispanic Advisory Board and the Latino Commission on AIDS. His historic inclusion on the national board of ASCAP in 1995 marked a significant milestone as the first person of color to serve.
Awards and Honors
Among his numerous accolades, Willie was selected for the Jubilee 2000 delegation to the Vatican, contributing to a global debt relief initiative that provided $100 billion in aid. Other notable honors include Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Latin Recording Academy (2004) and International Trombone Association (2010), and induction into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame (2000) and Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (2019). Colón's influence was recognized by "Billboard" magazine's 2015 list of "30 Most Influential Latin Artists of All Time." Additionally, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2018 and numerous other awards for his musical and community contributions, including 10 Grammy nominations.
