The Legacy of Rafael Ithier: A Pillar of Salsa Music
Rafael Ithier, a pivotal figure in the world of salsa music, has passed away at the age of 99. The founding member of the renowned salsa group El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Ithier left an indelible mark on Latin American music through his multifaceted roles as a pianist, composer, and arranger.
The orchestra shared their sentiments on social media, stating, “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.”
Born in San Juan in 1926, Ithier developed his musical talents from a young age, starting with the guitar at ten. The economic needs of his family led him to leave school at 14, but he continued to explore music, eventually mastering the piano, which became his signature instrument.
In 1952, Ithier’s life took a turn as he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea. He reflected on this period in a 2016 interview with Primera Hora, saying, “I have to confess that I cried when I was sworn in as a soldier… It was obligatory service. Every time I remember, I think about how wrong I was. I’m eternally grateful because I learned the discipline of the Army; I learned to be a man and to obey an order. That discipline is what I apply to my life, and what I base my life on.”
After his military service, Ithier’s musical journey continued as he joined the New York-based group The Borinqueneers Mambo Kings. He eventually returned to Puerto Rico, where he played with Cortijo y Su Combo. The disbandment of this group in 1962, following the arrest of its lead singer Ismael Rivera, paved the way for the formation of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, with Ithier at its helm.
During the 1970s, as salsa music gained popularity, El Gran Combo emerged as a leading voice in Puerto Rico. The group’s 1975 track “Un Verano en Nueva York” celebrated the Nuyorican diaspora, and the 1979 hit “Brujeria” showcased their unique blend of rhythm and humor.
El Gran Combo became known as “la universidad de la salsa,” or the university of salsa, nurturing countless musicians over the years. Ithier’s leadership was unwavering, as he guided the group through numerous recordings and international performances. Their contributions were recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Latin Grammys in 2015.
The news of Ithier’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from musicians, collaborators, and public figures. The Latin Recording Academy expressed its condolences, stating, “Ithier leaves behind an eternal legacy in salsa… Thank you, maestro, for a life dedicated to music.”
Rafael Ithier of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico arrives at the Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Awards presentation in Las Vegas in 2015. Ithier has died at age 99.
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
