The Passing of Salsa Icon Rafael Ithier at 99

In 2015, Rafael Ithier, the mastermind behind El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, graced Las Vegas during the ceremony for the Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Awards. Tragically, the world bids farewell to Ithier at the age of 99.

The legendary pianist, composer, and arranger, Rafael Ithier, who shaped the sound and success of El Gran Combo for over sixty years, has passed away at 99. Under his guidance, the ensemble emerged as a principal force in salsa music across Latin America and globally.

On Sunday, an emotional message circulated on the ensemble's social media platforms: "Today, we part with not only a distinguished musician but the visionary who crafted a sound that defined generations. Ithier's leadership, discipline, and passion for salsa etched the history of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and left a mark on global Latin music."

Early Life and Musical Journey

Born in San Juan in 1926, Ithier was drawn to the guitar by the age of ten. Due to economic hardships, he left school at fourteen to support his family, yet remained committed to mastering various instruments, eventually making the piano his lifelong companion.

Military Service and Musical Inception

Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952, Ithier served in Korea. Reflecting on this period in a 2016 interview, he admitted, "I wept when I was enlisted, as soldiering wasn't my aspiration. Yet, in hindsight, the Army instilled a discipline in me that's been foundational in my life."

Post-service, Ithier's musical journey led him to New York City, where he joined The Mambo Kings, a nod to a segregated Hispanic unit of the U.S. Army. Eventually, he returned to Puerto Rico, collaborating with Cortijo y Su Combo until a pivotal shift occurred — leading to the formation of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

Rise of El Gran Combo

During salsa's golden age in the 1970s, blending mambo, Afro-Cuban rumba, and jazz, El Gran Combo emerged as a prominent voice in Puerto Rico. Their 1975 hit "Un Verano en Nueva York" celebrated the vibrant Nuyorican diaspora, echoing into the future with its enduring appeal.

In classics like the 1979 release, brassy tunes complemented rhythmic congas and timbales, as Charlie Aponte humorously accused a lover of bewitchment. The band became an informal academy for aspiring salsa artists, earning the moniker "the university of salsa" and titling a 1983 album after this legacy.

Legacy and Condolences

Throughout decades, despite various lineup changes, Ithier's steadfast leadership ensured El Gran Combo's international success, producing numerous albums and performing globally. The band's impact was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Latin Grammys in 2015.

Following his passing, tributes poured in from musicians, collaborators, and politicians online. The Latin Recording Academy praised Ithier's everlasting influence on salsa, expressing gratitude: "Thank you, maestro, for dedicating your life to music."