Rafael Ithier

Rafael Ithier Natal, the founding pianist, arranger and longtime musical director of the iconic salsa orchestra El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, died December 6, 2025, of natural causes in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. He was 99 years old.

Born August 29, 1926, in the neighborhood of Río Piedras (now part of San Juan), Ithier was the son of Nicolás Ithier and Mérida Natal. With an uncle who played music professionally, he continued that love for rhythm and began playing guitar at the age of 10 to help support his family after his father died when he was 8.

Though he left formal schooling early, Ithier never abandoned his musical calling. Over time, he mastered Cuban salsa instruments - guitar, double bass, and the small guitar known as the tres - and ultimately taught himself piano, which would become his signature instrument.

In the early 1950s, after serving in the U.S. Army in the Korean War, Ithier joined the renowned orchestra Cortijo y su Combo. Decades later, after a split with bandleader Rafael Cortijo's group, he founded El Gran Combo in May 1962. Before long, El Gran Combo would come to define salsa worldwide.

Under his leadership and musical direction, El Gran Combo became known as La Universidad de la Salsa (The University of Salsa) as it nurtured the early careers of many future stars of the genre. Over more than six decades, the orchestra released dozens of albums, toured across the globe, and introduced new generations to salsa through hits like "Me Liberé," "Un Verano en Nueva York," and "Y No Hago Más Ná," among many others. In addition to leading the group, Ithier played piano with El Gran Combo for many years.

Beyond his role as bandleader, Ithier was admired for his rigorous discipline, professionalism, and deep love of Puerto Rican culture. As the official statement from El Gran Combo said: "Today we bid farewell to not only a great musician, but the architect of a sound that marked generations. A leader whose discipline, vision and love for salsa forged the history of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and of Latin music in the world."

His passing triggered an outpour of tributes. The mayor of Ponce, Marlese Sifre, described Ithier as "not only the founder and musical director of one of our cultural pillars … an example of discipline, excellence, and deep love for our land." Fellow musicians and institutions alike honored him as a cultural giant whose influence helped shape the course of Latin music.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: Rodrigo Varela/WireImage)