San Juan, Dec 15 (EFE). - Relatives, musicians, friends, and dozens of citizens bid farewell on Monday to Rafael Ithier, former musical director of the Puerto Rican salsa orchestra El Gran Combo, during a solemn mass at the Cathedral of San Juan, nine days after his death at the age of 99.
The religious ceremony, offered by the former Archbishop of San Juan Roberto González Nieves, was attended by salsa luminaries such as the Panamanian Rubén Blades and the Puerto Ricans Víctor Manuelle, Tito Nieves, Bobby Valentín, Willie Rosario, Humberto Ramírez, and La India, as well as all members of El Gran Combo.
Blades told the press upon leaving the temple that Ithier "had served as an inspiration for everyone, he was an important person, not only for Puerto Rico, but for the whole world." "Death begins with forgetting. If we do not forget his work and his legacy, for he is always alive," philosophized Blades, author of songs such as 'Pedro Navaja', 'Amor y control', 'Decisiones', or 'Buscando América'.
Nieves, for his part, stated that from Ithier he learned "to choose good music, to be responsible, and to be a good Puerto Rican, because Don Rafa was what he demonstrated." "He also showed his affection for me and the scoldings were also there," said Nieves, recalling that at one point in his life he derailed due to drug use, and Ithier called him a 'stupid' for 'wasting' his talent.
As those arriving at the temple made their way, a man placed a speaker in the square in front of the Cathedral and began to delight everyone with music by Rafael Cortijo and his Combo, of which Ithier was a member before forming El Gran Combo with three other musicians in 1962.
"Artists must recognize their great potential, for with his music he made a social commitment, exalting human dignity, especially that of the most needy," added the religious leader.
Prior to the mass, the vocalists of El Gran Combo, Jerry Rivas, Anthony García, and Joselito Hernández, performed a couple of songs, including 'Las hojas blancas', provoking emotions among all those present, including the artists themselves, who hugged and cried together.
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, also known as 'Los mulatos del sabor' or 'La universidad de la salsa', has to its credit great hits such as 'Brujería', 'Ojos chinos', 'Timbalero', 'No hay cama pa' tanta gente', 'Trampolín', 'Arroz con habichuela', 'Sin salsa no hay paraíso', and 'Achilipú'.
Today's mass is the only event open to the public, as, in compliance with Ithier's wishes, the burial will take place later in a private act reserved for the family.
Dozens of people went to the square who, from a giant screen, took advantage of watching and recording on their mobiles the religious celebration, including when the Puerto Rican anthem, 'La Borinqueña', was performed.
On the left side of the altar were placed Ithier's ashes, a photo of him, and a flower crown from Puerto Rico's Governor, Jenniffer González, while on the other side a painting by the Puerto Rican artist Pablo Marcano was placed honoring the deceased musician.
In his sermon, González Nieves indicated that he was celebrating a mass for "a new hero of the Puerto Rican vision," in reference to Ithier, whom he affirmed should be included among the island's great musicians. "Ithier was battling, fighting for a century," said González Nieves.
