The Latin music industry is mourning the death of legendary salsa musician and bandleader, Rafael Ithier, who passed away of natural causes on Dec. 6 at the age of 99. Ithier founded the iconic salsa institution El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico in 1962.
“His music, discipline, and vision, at the helm of ‘Los Mulatos del Sabor’ (or ‘The University of Salsa’), brought the flavor of Puerto Rico to the world,” Puerto Rico governor Jenniffer Gonzalez Colon expressed on Instagram. “His legacy transcends borders and lives on in several generations. Thank you for everything, maestro. Your rhythm will endure in the hearts of our people and wherever salsa is played.”
Soon after the announcement, Bad Bunny, who’s rarely active on social media, also posted a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram stories for his nearly 50 million followers to see.
“Thank you for one of the greatest contributions to Latin music,” he shared alongside a photo of Ithier and El Gran Combo’s timeless “Brujería” song. “Founder of the greatest group and family in the world, because El Gran Combo is not just an orchestra, it’s part of the soul and culture of people; El Gran Combo is Puerto Rico, and our flag resounds throughout the world. Long live Rafael Ithier!”
In other stories, he also published a set of black and white photos of the musician flaunting his signature bright smile and dark moustache, alongside songs “Si Salsa No Hay Paraiso” and “El Caballo Pelotero.”
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico’s 1975 song “Un Verano en Nueva York” inspired and is sampled throughout Bunny’s “Nuevayol,” part of his 2025 blockbuster album Debí Tirar Más Fotos. The original song joins “Brujería,” “Ojos Chinos,” “Y No Hago Mas Na’” and “Me Liberé” as some of the group’s biggest hits.
On the Billboard charts, the salsa group — which Ithier led for half a century — earned 22 entries on Hot Latin Songs, 41 entries on Tropical Airplay, 10 entries on Top Latin Albums, and with 10 chart-topping albums hold the record for the most top No. 1s on Top Tropical Albums among groups, among other accolades.
