Louie Romero, Legendary Salsa Timbales Player, Dies at 80

Louie Romero, a veteran salsa percussionist known as “Timbalito,” died on July 24, 2026, at age 80 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born in Brooklyn, he joined Willie Colón’s band in the late 1960s and became a key part of the rhythm section behind iconic recordings with Colón and Héctor Lavoe, including the celebrated solo on “Timbalero.” Romero also performed with Rubén Blades, Celia Cruz and jazz artists such as Paquito D’Rivera.

After relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area, he founded the salsa‑jazz group Mazacote in 1994, helping to nurture the local salsa scene. Musicians and fans across the U.S. and abroad are mourning his loss and celebrating his lasting influence on salsa music.