The global music community is in mourning following the death of Rafael Ithier Natal, the beloved founder and musical director of the legendary salsa orchestra El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. He was 99 years old.
A Musical Giant's Journey
Family attorney Víctor Rivera confirmed the news to radio station WKAQ late on Saturday, 6 December 2025. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Ithier's passing marks the end of an era for a man who led his iconic band for more than half a century with his trademark smile and black moustache.
Born in San Juan and raised in the working-class Río Piedras community, Ithier's life was shaped by hardship and determination. He lost his father at just eight years old and left school at 14 for economic reasons. His musical journey began humbly, playing guitar for tips at a corner store at the age of 10.
A self-taught virtuoso, he mastered multiple instruments, including the Cuban tres and double bass, before teaching himself piano and how to read sheet music. After a stint in the US Army, where he was stationed in Korea, he returned to music, first with Cortijo y Su Combo.
Building the "University of Salsa"
The defining chapter began on an opening night in May 1962 at the Rock'n Roll Club in Bayamón. Persuaded by two Cuban brothers to forgo studying law, Ithier took his place at the piano, and as the National Foundation for Popular Culture notes, "the rest is history."
Under his strict, disciplined leadership—a trait he credited to his army service—El Gran Combo flourished. It earned the nickname "the University of Salsa" for nurturing countless musicians who later found fame. Legendary singer Charlie Aponte, who considered Ithier a father figure, wrote that he demanded "responsibility, discipline and professionalism" from all members.
The orchestra's success was monumental, with tours across five continents and over 40 albums. They produced timeless hits like "Un Verano en Nueva York," which directly inspired one of Bad Bunny's most popular songs, "Nuevayol," cementing Ithier's influence across generations.
A Legacy That Transcends Borders
Tributes have poured in from across Puerto Rico and beyond. Marlese Sifre, mayor of Ponce, called him "a giant" who dedicated his life to elevating the island's identity. Agustín Montañez Allman, Puerto Rico's government advocate for veteran affairs, praised him as "one of those immortals who has brought glory to our country."
Governor Jenniffer Colón announced an official day of mourning, stating in a tribute: "His legacy transcends borders and lives on through generations. Thank you so much, maestro."
Rafael Ithier, the shy but steadfast pianist who became a pillar of Latin music, is survived by his wife and five children. His rhythm, discipline, and joy, embedded in hundreds of songs, ensure his beat goes on.
