Overview
- His death was confirmed by the family’s lawyer in a WKAQ interview and by an official statement from El Gran Combo.
- The band did not state a cause of death, while reports say he had been hospitalized with pneumonia.
- Ithier co-founded El Gran Combo in 1962 and led it for decades as pianist, arranger, director and administrator.
- The orchestra recorded more than 70 productions, toured across five continents and earned the moniker “La Universidad de la Salsa.”
- Puerto Rican authorities said an official day of mourning will be set after the family finalizes wake and funeral plans, as tributes from artists and institutions continue.