El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

Rafael Ithier, the legendary pianist and founder of the iconic salsa orchestra El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, passed away on December 6 at the age of 99 due to natural causes. Ithier established the group in 1962, leading it for over half a century and earning it the nickname 'University of Salsa.' Tributes from figures like Bad Bunny highlight his enduring impact on Latin music.