Rafael Ithier Dead: Salsa Legend and El Gran Combo Leader Passes Away
Here’s a breakdown of the provided text, summarizing the life and career of the musician:
Early Life & Musical Beginnings:
* Financial hardship forced him to leave school after eighth grade to work.
* At 15, he joined Conjunto Hawaiano, learning the Cuban tres and double bass.
* He later played with Conjunto Taoné for six years, teaching himself piano and music reading during this time.
* He also played with Conjunto del Pueblo.
Military service & Early Bands:
* Served in the U.S. Army in Korea.
* Formed The Borinqueneers Mambo Kings in New York, named after a distinguished Puerto Rican Army regiment.
Cortijo y Su Combo & a Turning Point:
* Joined Cortijo y Su Combo, but left when vocalist Ismael Rivera was arrested and the band disbanded in 1962.
* Considered leaving music altogether for banking or law.
El Gran Combo & Legacy:
* Future members of El Gran Combo persuaded him to stay in music.
* he joined El Gran Combo in 1962, playing piano and becoming thier arranger, composer, music producer, and orchestra conductor.
* Led the band for over five decades, performing on five continents and releasing over 40 albums.
* Their 1979 album, nobody Sits Here!, was ranked among the greatest salsa albums by Rolling Stone.
in essence, the text details a journey from humble beginnings and early musical exploration to a long and incredibly triumphant career leading one of the world’s most renowned salsa orchestras.