Rafael Ithier: El Gran Combo Founder Dies

– marcusrodriguez

Rafael Ithier Natal: Founder of El Gran‍ Combo de Puerto⁤ Rico – Obituary

Rafael‍ Ithier Natal,founder and director of the iconic salsa orchestra el Gran Combo de ⁤Puerto rico,passed away on Saturday at the ⁣age of 99. He is survived by his ⁤wife Carmen Soto, and children Carlos, Pedro, ‍Thelma, Mérida, ⁤Ivonne, and maritza.

Key Facts & Life Highlights

Birth: August 29,1926,Old San Juan,Puerto Rico.Raised in the Monacillos neighborhood of Río Piedras.
Parents: Nicolás “Macaco”⁤ Ithier and Mérida Natal.
Early Musical Influences: ⁤ A musical environment fostered by his bohemian father and musician uncle, Salvador.
Self-Taught: Primarily self-taught, mastering multiple instruments but⁢ focusing on the piano.
Professional Debut: 1941, joining Fermín Machuca’s hawaiian Ensemble.
Military Service: Served in the US Army during the Korean War (1952).
early Career with Rafael Cortijo: Joined Rafael Cortijo’s Combo ⁢in 1954 after his military discharge, remaining until ⁢1962. Departed due to management⁣ disagreements.
Founding ⁣of El Gran Combo: Founded El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico⁢ on May 26,1962,with initial members Rogelio “Quito” Vélez,Martín quiñones,Miguel⁣ Cruz,Eddie Pérez,Héctor Santos,and Roberto Roena.
Legacy: ⁣ considered a pivotal figure‍ in Latin music, establishing a unique sound and work system that earned El Gran Combo the nickname “The University of Salsa.”
Discography: Over 70 record productions, with “En Cuarentena” (2021) ⁢being the most ‍recent.
Later Years: Delegated some responsibilities to Willie⁣ Sotelo (deceased) ⁢in 2007, but remained at the orchestra’s helm.

El Gran Combo – A Statistical Overview

Metric	Value
Years Active	1962 – 2024⁣ (62+ years)
Record Productions	70+
Nickname	“The University of Salsa”
Founder/Director	Rafael Ithier Natal

Ithier’s administrative vision was crucial to⁣ the orchestra’s success, creating a workshop ⁤for musicians and establishing a lasting legacy in popular music. His compositions and arrangements ⁣captured the essence of Puerto Rican life and resonated with audiences worldwide.

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