Crowds gather in White Plains to pay their last respects to salsa superstar Willie Colon
Born in the South Bronx, the longtime New Rochelle resident died Feb. 21 at the age of 75, after creating a legacy of Latin music that blended jazz, rock and Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
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Crowds gathered in White Plains on Sunday to give their final goodbyes to salsa superstar Willie Colon.
Born in the South Bronx, the longtime New Rochelle resident died Feb. 21 at the age of 75, after creating a legacy of Latin music that blended jazz, rock and Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
"It shows when the young kids can recite his lyrics by heart, it shows that it has an impact on humanity. These songs are being passed down generationally. I think that's one of the most important things to take from him," said Colon's son, Alejandro Miguel Colon.
Ivonne Calvo, a fan of Colon's vibrant music, traveled to the wake to pay her last respects.
"For us, Willie Colon is a star. I remember all the songs, also because he's a kind person. I was a little girl when I heard his music. I come here and I see the opportunity to say 'bye, bye,' to say so sorry for the family and the more important thing is pray for his soul, " she said.
"In my heart, when I heard that he passed away, I prayed for his soul and I want to be part of this. To be with the family and pray and that's the only thing I had in my heart," said fan Diego Gutierrez, of White Plains.
"He brought so much joy to our lives, and we feel that the minimal thing that we can do is come here and pay our respects to him and his family and to pray for him at this moment," said fan Ingrid Castro.
A Catholic mass for the music superstar is set for Monday at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
