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.
Background and Legacy
Rafael Ithier founded El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico in 1962 following the breakup of Rafael Cortijo y su Combo. As the group's pianist and musical director, Ithier shaped its sound, blending salsa rhythms that made it one of Latin America's most recognized orchestras. Nicknamed the 'University of Salsa' and 'Los Mulatos del Sabor,' the ensemble has influenced generations with classics like 'Un Verano en Nueva York,' 'Brujería,' 'Me Liberé,' and 'Se Nos Perdió el Amor.'
Ithier's death on December 6, 2025, at age 99, prompted widespread mourning in the Latin music community. Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon shared on Instagram: 'His music, discipline, and vision... brought the flavor of Puerto Rico to the world. His legacy transcends borders and lives on in several generations.'
Chart Achievements
El Gran Combo amassed impressive Billboard records under Ithier's leadership. On the Tropical Airplay chart, they secured 41 entries since 1994, with 15 reaching the top 10 and two No. 1 hits: 'Me Liberé' (three weeks at No. 1 in 2001) and 'Se Nos Perdió el Amor' (one week in 2003). They hold records for most entries (22), top 10s (19), and No. 1s (10) on the Top Tropical Albums chart for a group. Additionally, they charted 22 songs on Hot Latin Songs (1986-2005), with two top 10s, and 10 entries on Top Latin Albums, five in the top 10.
Tributes and Influence
Bad Bunny, who sampled 'Un Verano en Nueva York' in his 2025 track 'Nuevayol' from the album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, posted a tribute on Instagram Stories: 'Thank you for one of the greatest contributions to Latin music... El Gran Combo is Puerto Rico, and our flag resounds throughout the world. Long live Rafael Ithier!' He shared photos of Ithier alongside songs like 'Brujería' and 'Sin Salsa No Hay Paraíso.' Ithier's vision continues to resonate, ensuring salsa's vibrant legacy endures.