Rafael Ithier Natal

Rafael Ithier Natal was a legendary Puerto Rican musician and the founder of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, a prominent salsa orchestra established in 1962. He served as the musical director, arranger, pianist, and composer, greatly influencing the salsa genre and Puerto Rican culture. His work with El Gran Combo produced over 70 albums, including the recent 'En Cuarentena' in 2021, making the band a cultural icon that has performed worldwide. Ithier's passing at the age of 99 marked the end of an era for salsa music.