Rafael Ithier, El Gran Combo Founder, Dies at 99 | AP News
A Salsa Legend Silenced: Rafael Ithier, Founder of El Gran Combo, Dies at 99
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Rafael Ithier, the visionary musician and founding father of the iconic salsa band El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, has died at the age of 99. His passing marks the end of an era for Latin music, leaving a void felt across generations of musicians and fans, including contemporary stars like Bad Bunny.
The news was confirmed late Saturday by Víctor Rivera, attorney for the Ithier family, to radio station WKAQ. While the cause of death has not been immediately released, the impact of Ithier’s life and work is already reverberating throughout Puerto Rico and the global Latin music community.
From Corner Store Gigs to Global Stages
Ithier’s journey was one of remarkable self-reliance and dedication. Born in San Juan and raised in the working-class Río Piedras neighborhood, he faced early hardship with the loss of his father at the age of eight. He began his musical education not in a conservatory, but by teaching himself guitar at age 10 and earning tips playing at a local corner store. This early hustle instilled a work ethic that would define his career.
Economic necessity led him to leave school at 14, taking on various jobs while simultaneously pursuing his musical passions. By 15, he was already performing with his first group, Conjunto Hawaiano, mastering the Cuban tres and double bass. He later added piano to his repertoire, teaching himself to read sheet music – a testament to his unwavering commitment to honing his craft.
A Soldier’s Rhythm and the Birth of a Legacy
Ithier’s life took another turn when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in his mid-20s, serving in Korea. His military experience, he would later say, instilled a discipline that proved crucial to the success of El Gran Combo. During his time in New York, he formed “The Borinqueneers Mambo Kings,” a band named in honor of the 65th Infantry Regiment, a distinguished all-Hispanic unit with a proud history of service in multiple wars.
Returning to Puerto Rico, Ithier briefly joined Cortijo y Su Combo, but nearly abandoned music altogether following the arrest of their celebrated singer, Ismael Rivera. A potential career in law loomed, but fate intervened in the form of two Cuban brothers who convinced him to co-found El Gran Combo in 1962. Their debut performance at the Rock’n Roll Club in Bayamón, as recounted by the National Foundation for Popular Culture, launched a musical dynasty.
“The University of Salsa” and a Lasting Influence
For over half a century, Ithier led El Gran Combo with a signature smile and distinctive mustache, shaping the sound of salsa and mentoring countless musicians. The band earned the nickname “the University of Salsa” due to the sheer number of artists who passed through its ranks and went on to achieve fame. Among them was Charlie Aponte, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, describing Ithier as a father figure.
“For mi, 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.” – Charlie Aponte, via social media.
El Gran Combo’s extensive catalog, featuring hits like “Jala Jala,” “Me Liberé,” “Y No Hago Más Ná,” and “Un Verano en Nueva York,” has captivated audiences across five continents and resulted in over 40 albums. “Un Verano en Nueva York” holds particular significance, having served as inspiration for Bad Bunny’s popular track, “Nuevayol,” demonstrating the enduring influence of Ithier’s music on contemporary artists.
A Cultural Icon Remembered
The outpouring of grief following Ithier’s death underscores his profound impact on Puerto Rican culture. Marlese Sifre, the mayor of Ponce, eloquently stated, “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.” Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer Colón has announced plans for an official period of mourning to honor his legacy.
Ithier’s success, he often attributed, wasn’t simply a matter of luck, but a direct result of 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 once said.
The global Latin music market continues to experience significant growth. According to the IFPI’s 2023 Global Music Report, Latin music revenues grew by 13.8% in 2022, accounting for 19.4% of the global recorded music market. Ithier’s contributions were instrumental in building the foundation for this success, paving the way for future generations of Latin artists to reach a global audience.
Rafael Ithier is survived by his wife and five children. His music, however, will continue to resonate, a vibrant testament to a life dedicated to the art of salsa and the cultural pride of Puerto Rico.
Editor’s note: Original story included a verified social media post from Charlie Aponte.