Puerto Rican Music World Mourns Death of Salsa Founder Rafael Ithier

The Latin music world mourns the death of Rafael Ithier, musical director and one of the founders of the iconic Puerto Rican salsa orchestra El Gran Combo, who passed away Saturday night at the age of 99 due to health complications. Local media report that Ithier had been experiencing lung problems for several days before he died at his residence in Puerto Rico. Besides helping to found El Gran Combo in 1962, Ithier was a two-time Latin Grammy winner and recipient of the Musical Excellence Award from The Academy. Artists of the caliber of Gilberto Santa Rosa, Willie Colón, Elvis Crespo, Ismael Miranda, and Charlie Aponte expressed their condolences over the passing of one of the pillars and distinguished representatives of salsa worldwide. "His discipline, his vision, and his love for salsa marked generations and brought the sound of Puerto Rico to every corner of the world," said Miranda. "Thank you, Puerto Rico, for giving me culture and for giving us Rafael Ithier," he added. "Through him, I received advice, opportunities, support, and the occasional scolding, as a good father would," noted 'The Gentleman of Salsa,' Santa Rosa. "With the pain of a son losing a father, I say goodbye to my 'Dear Old Man' Rafael Ithier," expressed Santa Rosa on social media, referencing the famous song. "The greatness of his work will continue to open paths for a long time," he added. "He recorded songs that made dancers happy with lyrics that told us stories about being Puerto Rican. We will miss him; there will never be another Rafael Ithier," stated Colón. "As a fan, I will always be grateful for his dedication and the passion he put into every stage and every production." "Cultural Identity". "His trajectory not only inspired thousands of musicians—including myself—but also helped define the cultural identity of an entire people," concluded Crespo.