Puerto Rico is mourning the loss of one of its greatest musical giants. Rafael Ithier, founder and longtime musical director of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, has died at the age of 99, as confirmed by the Associated Press. Known as a pillar of salsa music and a cultural icon across the world, Ithier leaves behind a legacy few artists can match.

Ponce mayor Marlese Sifre captured the island’s grief in a statement: “Puerto Rico has lost a giant… an example of discipline, excellence, and deep love for our land.” For more than six decades, Ithier shaped the sound of modern salsa and elevated Boricua identity everywhere the orchestra performed.

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From Humble Beginnings to Salsa Icon

Born in Río Piedras in 1926, Ithier’s love of music began early. By age 10, he was playing guitar at a local grocery store for tips. Financial hardship forced him to leave school after eighth grade, but it didn’t stop him from pursuing music. He joined his first band at 15, eventually mastering the tres, bass, piano, and even teaching himself to read music.

Following military service in Korea, Ithier spent time in New York forming the Borinqueneers Mambo Kings before returning home to join Cortijo y Su Combo. When that group dissolved in 1962, Ithier briefly considered giving up music altogether. Instead, he took a leap — one that forever changed Puerto Rican musical history.

The Birth of El Gran Combo

On May 26, 1962, Ithier played piano at what would become El Gran Combo’s first-ever show. From that moment on, he led the orchestra with unmistakable vision: arranging, composing, producing, and conducting an ensemble that would go on to become “la universidad de la salsa.”

Under his leadership, El Gran Combo performed on five continents, released more than 40 albums, and delivered timeless hits including “Me Liberé,” “Cupido,” “Por Ella,” “Y No Hago Más Ná,” and “Un Verano en Nueva York.” Their 1979 album ¡Aquí No Se Sienta Nadie! ranks among Rolling Stone’s 50 Greatest Salsa Albums of All Time.

A Legacy That Inspires Generations

Even today, Ithier’s influence echoes across modern music. Bad Bunny — who has frequently cited El Gran Combo as inspiration — honored Ithier on Instagram with a collage of photos set to “Nunca Fui” and “Un Verano en Nueva York,” which inspired the opening track of his Grammy-nominated Debí Tirar Más Fotos album.

Rafael Ithier didn’t just build a band — he built an institution, a sound, and a cultural heartbeat for Puerto Rico and the global salsa community. His legacy will continue to move dancers, musicians, and generations of fans around the world.