Rafael Ithier, the legendary Puerto Rican pianist and bandleader who founded El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, passed away on Sunday, December 7, at the age of 99. Widely regarded as a monumental figure in Caribbean and Latin music, Ithier and his iconic band gained renewed global attention this year following Bad Bunny’s critically acclaimed album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, whose opening track, “Nuevayol,” prominently samples El Gran Combo’s 1975 hit “Un Verano en Nueva York,” highlighting Ithier’s enduring influence.

Born in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, in 1926, Ithier’s life was steeped in music from an early age. He learned guitar as a child and later taught himself piano. Serving in the U.S. military during the Korean War, he formed the Los Borinquena Mambo Boys, crediting his service with instilling discipline and responsibility. Back home, he honed his craft with Rafael Cortijo’s Cortijo y su Combo before founding El Gran Combo in 1962, initially for a studio session that quickly grew into a steady television gig.

El Gran Combo’s distinctive big band sound became a template for future salsa bands, including Colombia’s Grupo Niche, and earned the affectionate nickname “La Universidad de La Salsa” for launching the careers of countless singers, including Andy Montañez and Charly Aponte. Beyond its musical impact, the band acted as a cultural ambassador for Puerto Rico. Ithier was recently honored on Veteran’s Day by the U.S. Army, receiving a medal in recognition of his service and cultural contributions, highlighting his dual legacy.

The band’s brassy, syncopated arrangements and lively performances translated into commercial success. El Gran Combo charted 10 albums on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums, including five top 10 hits, and boasts 41 songs on the Tropical Airplay chart, with two reaching No. 1: “Se nos perdió el amor” and “Me liberé.” Their extensive discography includes 22 entries on Hot Latin Songs and 10 chart-topping albums on Top Tropical Albums. Their enduring contributions were recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in 2002.

News of Ithier’s passing sparked tributes across the music world. Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon praised his music, discipline, and vision for bringing the “flavor of Puerto Rico to the world.” Bad Bunny dedicated his Instagram stories to Ithier, calling him “part of the soul and the culture of a people.” Marc Anthony wrote, “We lost a pillar. A legend who took Puerto Rico and our flag around the world with his unparalleled sound,” while Gilberto Santa Rosa remembered Ithier as both a musical genius and a proud Puerto Rican whose rhythm will endure wherever salsa is celebrated.