the Enduring Legacy of Rafael Ithier: Founder of El Gran Combo de puerto Rico
Rafael Ithier, a pivotal figure in the history of salsa music, was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, to Nicolás “Macaco” Ithier and Mérida Natal. His formative years, steeped in a bohemian atmosphere and influenced by his musician uncle Salvador, ignited a lifelong passion for music. Though largely self-taught, Ithier mastered multiple instruments, ultimately choosing the piano as his primary focus, and began playing guitar at the age of ten.
Ithier launched his professional music career in 1941, joining the Hawaiian Ensemble led by Fermín Machuca. A period of service followed, enlisting in the US Army in 1952 and participating in the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge on January 28, 1954, he reunited with friend and fellow musician Rafael Cortijo, joining the Combo de Cortijo for eight years until 1962, a separation stemming from disagreements regarding management.
This marked a turning point. On May 26, 1962, Ithier unveiled a new musical vision with the debut performance of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. He successfully established a distinct identity for his orchestra, diverging from the style of Cortijo and quickly achieving recognition. Ithier’s group was also a pioneer,becoming one of the first orchestras to perform live on television.
The early success of El Gran Combo wasn’t without challenges. In 1969, the departure of Roberto Roena and Elías Lopés led to the formation of rival group Apollo Sound, and subsequently, the cancellation of television appearances and their recording contract with Gema Records.This prompted Ithier to reassess and revitalize the orchestra’s approach.
Throughout the 1970s, El Gran Combo continued to evolve. In 1973, vocalist Pellín Rodríguez departed, making way for the arrival of Charile Aponte. 1977 brought both triumph and loss; the orchestra was honored as the Best International Orchestra in Venezuela, receiving the President’s Cup, but simultaneously lost singer Andy Montañez to the Venezuelan group La Dimensión Latina – a departure Ithier acknowledged as deeply felt. Jerry Rivas joined the band to fill the void.
The following decades saw El gran Combo garner widespread acclaim. By their 20th anniversary, they had received numerous national and international awards, including Colombia’s Golden Congo, a Resolution from the Senate of Puerto Rico, and a Paoli Award. A landmark performance at Madison Square Garden in 1982 solidified their status.
Celebrations continued as the group reached milestones. Their 30th anniversary in 1992 was marked by the release of the album “Thank you: 30 years of flavor,” and their 50th anniversary in 2012 was commemorated with an almost two-year international tour, culminating in a long-held dream: a performance in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Ithier’s career wasn’t without its legal hurdles. In 2013, the group faced a lawsuit filed by saxophonist Eddie “La Bala” Pérez regarding his dismissal, a dispute that continued even after Pérez’s passing later that year.Personnel changes continued in 2014 with the departure of Charlie Aponte, replaced by Anthony García.
Recognition of Ithier’s contributions extended beyond the stage. In 2015, the municipality of Guaynabo announced the Music Museum would be named in his honor. Throughout his career, Ithier led El Gran Combo on tours spanning six continents, finally realizing a goal of performing in Africa in 2016 at the invitation of the President of Equatorial Guinea.
Even in later years, Ithier remained active, releasing the album “En cuarentena” in 2021.his enduring legacy was further celebrated in 2021 with the Star Award for Excellence from the National Zalsa Day on station Z-93,acknowledging his remarkable career in salsa.Rafael Ithier’s vision and dedication cemented El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico’s place as a cornerstone of Latin music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre for generations to come.
