SAN JUAN – Renowned musician Rafael Ithier, a pivotal figure and founder of the iconic salsa ensemble El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, has passed away at the age of 99. His influential tunes have left a lasting impression on artists like Bad Bunny, both in Puerto Rico and internationally.
Víctor Rivera, acting as the family’s attorney, confirmed Ithier’s passing to WKAQ radio on Saturday night. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed at this time.
“Puerto Rico mourns the loss of a titan, someone who tirelessly elevated our cultural identity through the vibrant art and unique rhythms that define us globally,” expressed Marlese Sifre, the mayor of Ponce. “Rafael Ithier Natal wasn’t merely the founder and musical director of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, one of our cultural cornerstones, but he also exemplified discipline, excellence, and a profound love for our homeland.”
Ithier, a self-taught virtuoso, excelled as a pianist, arranger, composer, music producer, and orchestra conductor, leading what many regard as the world’s finest salsa orchestra.
Born in San Juan, he grew up in the humble neighborhood of Río Piedras, facing the loss of his father at just eight years old.
Music became his refuge early on, as he began playing the guitar at the tender age of 10. He would perform at local corner stores, earning tips, as noted by the National Foundation for Popular Culture, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving local arts.
By 14, he left school for economic reasons and found jobs where he could. A year later, he joined his first musical group, Conjunto Hawaiano, and learned to play the Cuban tres and the double bass. He later learned to play the piano and taught himself how to read sheet music.
In his mid-20s, Ithier joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea. He later traveled to New York and formed “The Borinqueneers Mambo Kings,” named after the 65th Infantry Regiment of Puerto Rico, the renowned all-Hispanic and segregated Army unit that received medals for its service in World Wars I and II and the Korean War.
Ithier eventually moved back to Puerto Rico and joined Cortijo y Su Combo, only to nearly give up his musical career after their legendary singer, Ismael Rivera, was arrested.
Ithier planned to study law but was convinced otherwise by two Cuban brothers who helped found El Gran Combo. On the group’s opening night, in May 1962 at the Rock’n Roll Club in Bayamón, Ithier took to the piano and, “the rest is history,” according to the National Foundation for Popular Culture.
Ithier led El Gran Combo for more than half a century with his trademark smile and black mustache. He confessed to Primera Hora newspaper in a 2016 interview at 90 years old that he was “shy” about celebrations.
Ithier attributed the orchestra’s success to not just luck but to the discipline he learned while in the Army.
“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 him, El Gran Combo attracted so many musicians who eventually became famous that it was nicknamed “the University of Salsa.” Among the legendary singers who were part of the orchestra was Charlie Aponte, who wrote on social media that “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,” Aponte wrote.
The orchestra played on five continents, issued more than 40 albums and became known for hits including “Jala Jala,” “Me Liberé,” “Y No Hago Más Ná,” and “Un Verano en Nueva York,” which inspired one of Bad Bunny ’s most popular songs, “Nuevayol.”
Salsa fans were in mourning on Sunday as news about Ithier’s death spread.
“Ithier is one of those immortals who has brought glory to our country. An exemplary man, self-taught, with a strong and frank personality, who imprinted his down-to-earth style on all his struggles, feats and exploits,” said Agustín Montañez Allman, Puerto Rico’s government advocate for veteran affairs.
Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer Colón also mourned Ithier as she announced that the island would soon hold an official mourning date.
“His legacy transcends borders and lives on through generations. Thank you so much, maestro,” she said in a statement.
Ithier leaves behind a wife and five children.
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