Leading the acclaimed salsa group El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, he brought the music of his native island to a worldwide audience for more than 60 years. Credit: Niveles Productions-Lexter L./EGC ...

Rafael Ithier, the legendary founder, pianist, composer and arranger of the world-renowned salsa orchestra El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, has died. He was 99. The orchestra confirmed Ithier’s death on ...

Rafael Ithier, leader of the salsa band El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, has died, The Associated Press reports. He was 99. The news was confirmed by an attorney for the Ithier family, Víctor Rivera, to ...

Rafael Ithier, founder of the emblematic salsa group El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, has died at age 99. The pianist, composer and arranger — who served as the orchestra's longtime musical director — ...

The Latin music world has lost a musical master with the passing of Rafael Ithier, the legendary founder, pianist, and musical director of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. Known universally as “El ...

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Rafael Ithier, a beloved musician and a founder of the legendary salsa band El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, whose hits have inspired Bad Bunny and other icons from the U.S.