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Hire El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico - Booking Information

Genre: Latin

Style: Boogaloo, Latin Pop, Salsa, Tropical

Decades Active: 00's, 10's, 20's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's

How to Hire EL GRAN COMBO For Your Event!

Kings of Salsa

BOOKING FEE (booking price, booking cost).

AVAILABILITY.

Roster: Latin

Roster: Salsa

Roster: Grammy winners

aka: The University of Salsa, La Universidad de la Salsa, Los Mulatos del Sabor, El Combo

Members:
Jerry Rivas, Joselito Hernández, Anthony Garcia, Rafael Ithier, Freddie Miranda, and more.

Formed in: Puerto Rico
Based in: Puerto Rico

Hire: El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

LATIN GRAMMY-award winning El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is one of the most influential and longest-running salsa music groups in history. Founded in 1962, the band has played a crucial role in shaping the genre, earning global recognition and numerous accolades for their vibrant sound, dynamic stage presence, and timeless hits. Often referred to as “La Universidad de la Salsa” (The University of Salsa), El Gran Combo has remained a dominant force in Latin music for over six decades.

Origins and Formation (1962)

El Gran Combo was formed in May 1962 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, by Rafael Ithier and a group of musicians who had previously been part of Rafael Cortijo’s band, Cortijo y su Combo. After the departure of Ismael Rivera, the lead singer of Cortijo y su Combo, the remaining members sought to establish a new musical project. Rafael Ithier, the pianist, took the reins and became the group’s musical director, ensuring its longevity and consistency.

The band made its debut at a television show called La Taberna India, and soon after, they released their first album, Menéame los Mangos, in 1963. The album gained popularity in Puerto Rico and helped establish the band’s signature style—a fusion of traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms with contemporary salsa influences.

Hire El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico for your festival or concert plans! (t,s)

Rise to Fame in the 1960s and 1970s

By the late 1960s, El Gran Combo had already gained traction across Latin America. Their energetic performances and infectious rhythms attracted a loyal fanbase, and the group continued releasing hit albums, including:

Acángana (1963) – Featuring the hit song “Acángana,” which became a salsa classic.
Boogaloo con El Gran Combo (1967) – Experimenting with the boogaloo trend popular in New York at the time.

The 1970s marked an explosive period for the band. With the rise of salsa music in New York, El Gran Combo expanded its reach, performing at major venues in the United States, including Madison Square Garden. Albums such as El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico (1972) and International (1977) showcased their evolving sound.

Their music was characterized by upbeat horn sections, rich percussion, and the dynamic vocals of legendary singers such as Andy Montañez, who was a key figure in the band’s success until his departure in 1977.

International Success and the 1980s Boom

The 1980s was another golden era for El Gran Combo, as they further cemented their reputation as salsa royalty. Hits such as:

“Brujería” (1982)
“No Hay Cama Pa’ Tanta Gente” (1984)
“Me Liberé” (1984)

These songs dominated salsa charts and dance floors worldwide. The band’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining their signature style contributed to their enduring success.

In 1982, Jerry Rivas joined as a vocalist, bringing fresh energy to the ensemble. This period also saw them touring extensively across Latin America, the U.S., and Europe, further expanding their global influence.

The 1990s and Continued Evolution

Despite changes in the salsa landscape, El Gran Combo remained at the forefront of the genre during the 1990s. With hits such as “Arroz con Habichuela” and “Te Veo Nena”, they continued to prove their relevance in a rapidly evolving industry.

The band celebrated its 30th anniversary in 1992 with a special concert and commemorative album. Their influence persisted, as they maintained a busy touring schedule and continued to release new music.