Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Founded in 1962 by Ithier, who was for many years the pianist and musical director of the orchestra, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico ...

Rafael Ithier, leader of the salsa band El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, has died, The Associated Press reports. He was 99. The news was confirmed by an attorney for the Ithier family, Víctor Rivera, to ...

Puerto Rico Salsa Giant Rafael Ithier, Who Led El Gran Combo for More Than Half a Century, Dies SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Rafael Ithier, a beloved musician and a founder of the legendary salsa band ...

It was a night to remember for Los Angeles’ burgeoning salsa scene: The Sportsmen’s Lodge’s ballroom was filled to capacity with more than a thousand rabid salseros, legendary group El Gran Combo ...

Leading the acclaimed salsa group El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, he brought the music of his native island to a worldwide audience for more than 60 years. Credit: Niveles Productions-Lexter L./EGC ...

The band -- founded by the late Rafael Ithier -- has placed more than 40 songs on the Tropical Airplay chart, including 15 top 10s. By Sigal Ratner-Arias Deputy Editor, Billboard Español The founder ...