San Juan, Dec 6 (EFE). - Legendary Puerto Rican musician Rafael Ithier, one of the founders of the orchestra El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, died this Saturday at the age of 99 due to health complications, confirmed several artists on their social networks. "Today the salsa world loses one of its most important pillars in the history of the genre. 'Don Rafael Ithier' is not only the founder, director, arranger, and pianist of the world's most important salsa orchestra 'EL GRAN COMBO DE PR'," expressed salsa singer Víctor Manuelle on his Facebook page. He added that Ithier was also "the most visionary entrepreneur, businessman, and most influential figure in the history of salsa, who has ever existed and will ever exist." "You are leaving, but your legacy and your music will remain alive in all of us who make this musical genre that we call salsa. Thank you for every piece of advice, every conversation, every moment on stage," the statement read. According to a source close to EFE, Ithier "was hospitalized with pneumonia and did not overcome it." One of the last projects Ithier and his orchestra participated in was the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico's Christmas special, 'Estampas de mi tierra', where they performed 'Alegría y paz'. This project will be broadcast this Sunday on the main television channels in Puerto Rico, the Banco Popular portal, and YouTube. Meanwhile, Puerto Rican merengue singer Olga Tañon also thanked Ithier on her Facebook account "for giving us so much, for teaching us so much, for his professionalism, affection, and respect." "His contribution to music is a before and after. I am grateful to have had the honor of knowing you and sharing beautiful moments. Thank you so much. These will be stories I will never forget," she highlighted. "REST IN PEACE, BELOVED AND RESPECTED RAFAEL ITHIER," the statement pointed out. In turn, the legendary salsa orchestra La Sonora Ponceña, led by pianist Papo Lucca, also lamented Ithier's death on social networks. "Today heaven receives a giant of music, and on earth an eternal legacy remains. We join in the deep grief of Rafael Ithier's family, and extend our most sincere condolences to each member of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico," they indicated. "His life was synonymous with discipline, vision, respect, and love for music. Don Rafael Ithier, founder and soul of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, leaves us a legacy that will transcend generations. His legacy not only marked generations but elevated Puerto Rican salsa to the entire world with pride and dignity," they added. Likewise, the Colombian salsa orchestra Guayacán joined the condolences of other musicians for Ithier's passing. "Today Latin music says goodbye to one of its giants. Rest in peace," they stated.
