Rafael Ithier, the visionary founder and longtime musical director of the iconic salsa group El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, has passed away at the age of 99. As a pianist, composer, and arranger, Ithier spent more than six decades shaping El Gran Combo into one of the most influential salsa orchestras in Latin America and around the world.
Born in San Juan in 1926, Ithier began playing guitar at age 10 but had to leave school at 14 to help support his family. He continued to master multiple instruments, including the Cuban tres, double bass, and eventually piano, which became his signature. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952, he served in Korea, later crediting military discipline with shaping his approach to music and leadership. After returning, he joined The Borinqueneers Mambo Kings in New York before moving back to Puerto Rico, where he became a key member of Cortijo y Su Combo. When that group faced turmoil in 1962, Ithier led the formation of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.
Under his guidance, El Gran Combo rose to prominence during salsa’s golden era, producing classics like “Un Verano en Nueva York” and “Brujería” while blending Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz, and mambo. The orchestra also became a proving ground for countless musicians, earning the nickname “la universidad de la salsa.” Ithier remained at the helm through decades of recording and global performances, culminating in a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Grammys in 2015. Following his passing, tributes poured in from musicians, fans, and institutions, celebrating his enduring impact on salsa and Latin music worldwide.