Rafael Ithier died: Gilberto Santa Rosa, Tito Nieves, Grupo Niche dedicated emotional messages to him

The most important artists and groups in salsa said goodbye to the founder of El Gran Combo.

Rafael Ithierhistorical figure of salsa and one of the founders of The Great Combo of Puerto Ricodied this Saturday at the age of 99 due to health complications. Given this, the most important figures in salsa said goodbye to him with emotional messages.

They dedicate emotional messages to Rafel Ithier

“With the pain of a son who loses a father, I say goodbye to my “dear old man.” Rafael Ithier... I met the musical genius and the wonderful person. The natural leader and administrator and the loving and dutiful head of the family. The patriot, the baseball fan, the humble jíbaro from Monacillos who rose above his narrowness and limitations and became an icon (although he never wanted to accept it) of Puerto Rican culture. From him I received advice, opportunities, support and the occasional scolding too, like a good father… My condolences to his family, his fans and my brothers from El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico,” were the words of Giberto Santa Rosa.

YOU CAN SEE: Rafael Ithier, founder of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, died at the age of 99

For its part, Tito Nieves expressed: “Today my heart is in mourning. Seeing someone so special to me leave is a sadness that is difficult to put into words. Don Rafael, I was and will always be grateful for everything he did for me. For his advice, for those times he told me to quit my vices… Thank God I listened to him. His words changed my life. Today I can proudly say that he left an immense legacy in music, in salsa and in all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. I always enjoyed his company, his wisdom, of his affection.”

(Photo: Facebook)

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Likewise, the legendary Niche Group He dedicated the following message to him: “Today our soul hurts. A teacher who changed the history of salsa and who always received us with affection, generosity and respect is leaving us. Thank you for teaching us so much, by example, by music and by the heart, today we honor the life of the teacher Rafael Ithier. “His legacy will continue to resonate on every stage and in each of us.”