Puerto Rico salsa giant Rafael Ithier, who led El Gran Combo for more than half a century, dies

Legendary salsa pioneer Rafael Ithier, founder of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, has died at the age of 99, leaving behind a musical legacy that has influenced generations of artists. Víctor Rivera, an attorney for the Ithier family, confirmed the musician’s death late Saturday, though the cause was not immediately disclosed.

“Puerto Rico has lost a giant, a man whose life was dedicated to elevating our identity through the art and rhythm that distinguishes us to the world,” said Marlese Sifre, mayor of Ponce, in a tribute to the iconic musician.

Ithier, a self-taught pianist, was much more than a performer. Throughout his career, he served as an arranger, composer, music producer, and orchestra conductor for what many consider the greatest salsa orchestra in the world.

Born in San Juan and raised in the working-class neighborhood of Río Piedras, Ithier faced hardship early in life when he lost his father at the age of 8. His musical journey began at 10 years old when he taught himself to play the guitar, performing at a local corner store for tips.

Economic necessity forced him to leave school at 14, taking various jobs to make ends meet. By 15, he had joined his first musical group, Conjunto Hawaiano, where he expanded his instrumental repertoire to include the Cuban tres and double bass. His self-taught musical education continued as he learned piano and how to read sheet music without formal training.

Ithier’s career took an unexpected turn when he joined the U.S. Army in his mid-20s and was stationed in Korea. During his military service, he traveled to New York where he formed “The Borinqueneers Mambo Kings,” named after Puerto Rico’s 65th Infantry Regiment, the renowned all-Hispanic Army unit decorated for service in both World Wars and the Korean War.

Upon returning to Puerto Rico, Ithier joined Cortijo y Su Combo but nearly abandoned music entirely following the arrest of their legendary singer, Ismael Rivera. Although he considered studying law instead, two Cuban brothers convinced him to continue his musical career, leading to the formation of El Gran Combo.

The group’s debut performance at the Rock’n Roll Club in Bayamón in May 1962 marked the beginning of what would become one of the most enduring and influential salsa orchestras in history. Ithier led El Gran Combo for more than 50 years, instantly recognizable with his trademark smile and black mustache.

In a 2016 interview with Primera Hora newspaper, a then 90-year-old Ithier confessed to being “shy” about celebrations despite his public persona. He attributed the orchestra’s remarkable success not just to luck but to the discipline he learned during his military service.

“I learned to be a man and to obey an order. That discipline is what I apply to my life, and what I base my life on,” he was quoted as saying.

Under his leadership, El Gran Combo became known as “the University of Salsa” for nurturing talent that would go on to achieve individual fame. Charlie Aponte, one of the legendary singers who emerged from the group, paid tribute to Ithier on social media: “For me, Rafa was and will continue to be like a father. He taught us and demanded responsibility, discipline and professionalism in our work; if you wanted to belong to the group, you had to meet those standards. He made us all better human beings.”

The orchestra’s global impact was immense, with performances on five continents and more than 40 albums to their credit. Their hits, including “Jala Jala,” “Me Liberé,” “Y No Hago Más Ná,” and “Un Verano en Nueva York,” have influenced contemporary artists, including global superstar Bad Bunny, whose popular track “Nuevayol” was inspired by their classic “Un Verano en Nueva York.”

As news of Ithier’s death spread on Sunday, tributes poured in from across Puerto Rico. Agustín Montañez Allman, Puerto Rico’s government advocate for veteran affairs, called Ithier “one of those immortals who has brought glory to our country,” praising his “strong and frank personality.”

Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer Colón announced plans for an official mourning period, stating, “His legacy transcends borders and lives on through generations. Thank you so much, maestro.”

Ithier is survived by his wife and five children, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to define Puerto Rican culture and the global salsa movement.