Rafael Ithier, the founder and long-time musical director of the salsa group El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, passed away at the age of 99.
Ithier, a pianist, composer, and arranger, led the orchestra for over six decades, contributing to its establishment as a prominent salsa institution.
Early Life and Career
Born in San Juan in 1926, Ithier began playing guitar at age 10. He left school at 14 to support his family financially and subsequently learned to play the Cuban tres, double bass, and piano.
In 1952, Ithier was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in Korea. He later cited his military service as a formative experience that instilled discipline.
After his military service, Ithier joined The Borinqueneers Mambo Kings in New York City. He then returned to Puerto Rico and played with Cortijo y Su Combo. In 1962, following a disruption within Cortijo y Su Combo, Ithier formed El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.
Impact and Recognition
As salsa music expanded in the 1970s, incorporating elements of mambo, Afro-Cuban rumba, and jazz, El Gran Combo became a leading voice for the genre in Puerto Rico. The group released notable songs such as "Un Verano en Nueva York" in 1975 and "Brujeria" in 1979. El Gran Combo was also known as "la universidad de la salsa" (the university of salsa).
Ithier remained the consistent leader of El Gran Combo, recording numerous albums and performing internationally despite changes in the group's lineup. In 2015, El Gran Combo received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Latin Grammys.
Following news of Ithier's death, various musicians, collaborators, and public figures issued condolences.