Willie Colón August 10, 2007

Willie Colon
10 AUGUST 2007 / Roundhouse

Production Detail

A special farewell London show for one of the true salsa greats.

Willie Colón was signed to Fania Records at 15 and recorded his first album at age 17, which ultimately sold more than 300,000 copies. Due to fortuituous events (he had no singer for his band at recording time since his first candidate was killed in a street fight), the main record producer at Fania at the time, Johnny Pacheco, recommended Héctor Lavoe to him, the subject of a soon to be released J.Lo/Mark Anthony biopic. Colón’s collaboration with Hector Lavoe was the milestone that spread this fusion of tropical/urban music throughout Latin America.

Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with Fania All Stars, Rubén Blades, David Byrne, and Celia Cruz. Siembra, his record with Rubén Blades, was the best selling album for its genre. In fact, Colón still holds the all time record for Latin music sales, he has created 40 productions that have sold more than thirty million records worldwide.

His achievements in all his activities are widely recognized. As musician, composer, arranger, singer, and trombonist, as well as producer and director. Now, after many years of community and political activity Willie Colón is retiring from live performance to pursue these interests. For one last night he reminds London of his brilliance.

Official Website: http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/productions/willie-colon-974