SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – Rafael Ithier, a revered musician and co-founder of the iconic salsa band El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, has passed away at the age of 99. His death was confirmed by the family's attorney, Víctor Rivera, late Saturday, although the cause remains unclear.

The mayor of Ponce, Marlese Sifre, expressed her condolences, stating, “Puerto Rico has lost a giant, a man whose life was dedicated to elevating our identity through the art and rhythm that distinguishes us to the world.” Ithier, she noted, was not only the founder and musical director of the cultural pillar El Gran Combo but also a symbol of discipline, excellence, and love for Puerto Rico.

Ithier, a self-taught pianist, arranger, composer, music producer, and orchestra conductor, was widely regarded as one of the leading figures in salsa music globally. Born in San Juan and raised in the working-class neighborhood of Río Piedras, Ithier faced significant challenges early in life, losing his father at just 8 years old.

He developed a passion for music at a young age, picking up the guitar at 10 and performing for tips at a local corner store. By the age of 14, Ithier had to leave school due to financial difficulties, but he started working and quickly joined his first musical group, Conjunto Hawaiano, where he learned to play the Cuban tres and double bass. Over time, he taught himself to play the piano and read sheet music.

During his mid-20s, Ithier served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea. He later moved to New York, where he formed “The Borinqueneers Mambo Kings,” named in honor of the 65th Infantry Regiment of Puerto Rico, a distinguished all-Hispanic and segregated army unit celebrated for its service in both World Wars and the Korean War.

Eventually returning to Puerto Rico, Ithier joined Cortijo y Su Combo, but almost left music behind following the arrest of their famous singer, Ismael Rivera. However, two Cuban brothers persuaded him to continue his musical journey, leading to the establishment of El Gran Combo. The band debuted on May 1962 at the Rock’n Roll Club in Bayamón, and Ithier's career took off from there.

For over fifty years, Ithier led El Gran Combo with a distinctive smile and trademark black mustache. In a 2016 interview with Primera Hora, he revealed his shyness regarding celebrations. He attributed the band's success to both hard work and the discipline he gained while serving in the Army. He famously stated, “I learned to be a man and to obey an order. That discipline is what I apply to my life.”

El Gran Combo has been a launching pad for a multitude of musicians, earning it the moniker “the University of Salsa.” Among its notable alumni is singer Charlie Aponte, who shared on social media that “For me, Rafa was and will continue to be like a father.” Aponte emphasized Ithier's insistence on responsibility, discipline, and professionalism, noting that he made all the musicians better individuals.

The orchestra has traveled across five continents, released more than 40 albums, and produced numerous hits, including “Jala Jala,” “Me Liberé,” “Y No Hago Más Ná,” and “Un Verano en Nueva York,” the latter of which influenced one of Bad Bunny's most popular songs, “Nuevayol.”

As news of Ithier’s passing spread, salsa fans began mourning, with Agustín Montañez Allman, Puerto Rico’s advocate for veteran affairs, commenting, “Ithier is one of those immortals who has brought glory to our country.” He described Ithier as an exemplary man with a strong character, whose down-to-earth approach influenced many.

Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer Colón also mourned Ithier, announcing plans for an official mourning date for the island. She remarked, “His legacy transcends borders and lives on through generations. Thank you so much, maestro.” Ithier is survived by his wife and five children.