El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, commonly known as El Gran Combo, is a Puerto Rican Salsa music orchestra. It is Puerto Rico's most successful musical group, and one of Salsa's most famous groups across Latin America. Since many of the genre's legendary singers have been members of the orchestra, the band has been given the moniker La Universidad de la Salsa (The University of Salsa) Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Salsa music is a diverse and predominantly Spanish Caribbean genre that is popular across Latin America and among Latinos. ... Salsa music is a diverse and predominantly Spanish Caribbean genre that is popular across Latin America and among Latinos. ... Latin America consists of the countries of South America and some of North America (including Central America and some the islands of the Caribbean) whose inhabitants mostly speak Romance languages, although Native American languages are also spoken. ...

El Gran Combo was founded by Rafael Ithier in May of 1962. Ithier is still, as of 2006, the orchestra's pianist and musical director. The group is currently promoting their latest album titled Arroz con Habichuela (Rice and Beans) and they continuously tour around the world. Rafael Ithier (born 1926 in San Juan, Puerto Rico) is a Salsa musician and the creator of the highly successful orchestra, El Gran Combo. Ithier was born in the large San Juan area known as Rio Piedras. Ithier showed a passion for music since he was very young. ... Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Arroz con Habichuela is the recent studio album by El Gran Combo released on November 28, 2006. ...

History

The Birth of El Gran Combo

Rafael Ithier had been a member of Rafael Cortijo's "Combo" orchestra, travelling to the eastern United States before forming El Gran Combo. For their first gig, the orchestra was signed by the legendary Cuban comedian, writer and businessman Alvarez Guedes, who hired them to support Dominican singer Joseito Mateo on one of his albums for his record company Gema Records. It was Alvarez Guedes himself who baptized them with the name of El Gran Combo. Rafael Cortijo (January 11, 1928- October 3, 1982), was a Puerto Rican musician, orquestra leader and composer. ... http://www. ... An album or record album is a collection of related audio or music tracks distributed to the public. ...

The members that met for this first incarnation were Ithier, Eddie Perez, Hector Santos, Rogelio "Kito" Velez, Martín Quiñones, Miguel Cruz and Roberto Roena. That first album was titled Menéame Los Mangos, El Gran Combo con Joseito Mateo (Shake My Handles, or Shake My Mangoes, depending on the double meaning of the word Mango).

The group met again to define the foundations of the orchestra and they chose singers Daniel Vázquez, Pellín Rodríguez and Chiqui García. On May 21, 1962, El Gran Combo was heard for the first time on Puerto Rican radio. Later on, they became the on-studio musicians of the live television show, "La Taberna India", sponsored by India Beer. Pellin Rodriguez (December 4, 1926 – October 31, 1984) born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, was a renowned salsa singer. ... May 21 is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

After their live debut at Hotel La Concha in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Chiqui García left the orchestra. Sammy Ayala, who had also played with Ithier in the Cortijo orchestra, recommended the hiring of Andy Montañez. Felipe Rodríguez, another legendary Salsa singer, also followed the group's career closely, sometimes even making suggestions to Ithier. Nickname: Location of San Juan within the island of Puerto Rico Coordinates: Country United States Territory Puerto Rico Founded 1508/1521 Area  - City 76. ... Andrés Montañez (born 1942), better known as Andy Montañez, is a famous Salsa singer from Puerto Rico. ... Luis Felipe Rodriguez, better known as Felipe La Voz Rodríguez, (May 8, 1926– May 26, 1999) born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, was a singer of boleros. ...

First Albums

On November 20, 1963, El Gran Combo released their first group album, Acángana, with Rodríguez and Montañez as leading voices. The album became a number one hit in New York, Panama and Puerto Rico. Their success opened doors for them in many Latin American markets and they gained an exclusivity spot in Puerto Rican television show El Show de las 12. The album also reached gold status. November 20 is the 324th day of the year (325th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1963 (MCMLXIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... NY redirects here. ... Latin America consists of the countries of South America and some of North America (including Central America and some the islands of the Caribbean) whose inhabitants mostly speak Romance languages, although Native American languages are also spoken. ... El Show de las 12 is a Puerto Rican mid-day variety television series airing on Telemundo. ...

On 1964, musician Elías López joined the orchestra. However, the excess of exposure helped their demands to decline. Still, in 1967, their album Boogaloo con el Gran Combo also reached gold status. In 1969, Roena and López left the orchestra to form the Apollo Sound together. Despite all this, that same year the group is awarded with an Agüeybana de Oro Award in Puerto Rico. 1964 (MCMLXIV) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1964 calendar). ... 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar (the link is to a full 1967 calendar). ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ...

Near death experience

On February 15, 1970, the members of El Gran Combo shared a near death experience. They were returning to Puerto Rico from Curaçao, and had to stop at Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo. One of the band's members had a bad feeling about the flight they were about to embark on, and the orchestra decided not to take that flight, which would turn out to be the Dominicana Airlines DC-9 that crashed off the Caribbean coast. February 15 is the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Anthem: Himno di Kòrsou Capital (and largest city) Willemstad Official languages Dutch Government See Politics of the Netherlands Antilles  - Prime Minister of N.A. Emily de Jongh-Elhage  - Governor of N.A. Frits Goedgedrag Constitutional monarchy part of the Netherlands Antilles  Area  - Total 444 km² 171. ... The Las Américas International Airport (IATA code SDQ) is an international airport located in Punta Caucedo, near Santo Domingo and Boca Chica in the Dominican Republic. ... Santo Domingo, population 2,061,200 (2003), is the capital of the Dominican Republic. ... The Dominicana de Aviacion Santo Domingo DC-9 air disaster occurred on February 15, 1970. ...

The 1970s

In 1970, their contract with Gema Records wasn't renewed. Despite offers from the renowned Motown label, El Gran Combo decided to produce their own albums. Their first album under their label, EGC, is titled Estamos Primeros. 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday. ... Motown Records, Inc. ...

In 1971, El Gran Combo introduced the trombone to their list of instruments. The trombone was played by Fanny Ceballos. Soon after, their production named De Punta a Punta (slang for "From Coast to Coast") was released. In 1973, Pellín Rodriguez left the group to continue on with a solo career. Legendary Salsa musician Jerry Concepción and the well known sportscaster Rafael Bracero, friends of Ithier, recommended Ithier to replace Rodríguez with Charlie Aponte. 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday. ... The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. ... Year 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. ... A sport consists of a physical activity or skill carried out with a recreational purpose: for competition, for self-enjoyment, to attain excellence, for the development of a skill, or some combination of these. ... Rafael Bracero (born approx. ...

In 1973, El Gran Combo sang in front of 50,000 fans at the famous Yankee Stadium in New York City as the opening act for the Fania All Stars' sold out concert. Year 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. ... This is about the stadium the New York Yankees currently play in. ... Midtown Manhattan, looking north from the Empire State Building, 2005 New York City (officially named the City of New York) is the most populous city in the state of New York and the entire United States. ... Fania All-Stars was a salsa group established in 1968 by Johnny Pacheco as a showcase for the leading musicians and singers of the record label Fania Records, the leading salsa record company of the time. ...

Montañez left the band in early 1977 and went to live in Venezuela, where he receive a good contract to replace Oscar De León in another orchestra, Dimension Latina. Jerry Rivas was then chosen to join the orchestra. Both Rivas and Aponte are still members of the orchestra to this day. The success of this new duo was proved with their 1977 album International and 1978's En Las Vegas which reached gold record status. Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... link titleThe word international can mean: Between nations or encompassing several nations. ... Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ...

In 1975, El Gran Combo en Navidad, a Christmas album, was released, with Martín Quiñones appearing as Santa Claus in the album's cover. After a car accident in early 1977, Quiñones was replaced in the band by his son, Martín Quiñones Jr. He stayed until 1979, being replaced by Luis Díaz. Christmas is an annual holiday that marks the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. ... A typical depiction of Santa Claus. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Luis Díaz is a Mexican auto racing driver born December 1, 1977 in Mexico City. ...

Recent Years

The band continues to receive numerous awards in all Latin America. In 1984, they traveled to Alaska where they received a great welcome. Soon after they release their album titled Breaking the Ice which garnered them their first Grammy nomination. Latin America consists of the countries of South America and some of North America (including Central America and some the islands of the Caribbean) whose inhabitants mostly speak Romance languages, although Native American languages are also spoken. ... Year 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar). ... Official language(s) none Capital Juneau Largest city Anchorage Area  Ranked 1st  - Total 663,267 sq mi (1,717,855 km²)  - Width 808 miles (1,300 km)  - Length 1,479 miles (2,380 km)  - % water 13. ... Breaking the Ice is a peace project founded by Heskel Nathaniel. ... Grammy Award statuette The Grammy Awards, presented by the Recording Academy (an association of Americans professionally involved in the recorded music industry) for outstanding achievements in the recording industry, is one of four major music awards shows held annually in the United States (the Billboard Music Awards, the American Music...

In 1982 they celebrated their 20th anniversary playing at the Madison Square Garden. They also reached Europe that year playing in Paris, France. Year 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar). ... This article needs additional references or sources to facilitate its verification. ... World map showing the location of Europe. ... The Eiffel Tower has become the symbol of Paris throughout the world. ...

In the early 90s, they were honored in the city of Madrid, Spain to open the decade in the right track. In March 29, 1992, they celebrated a huge concert in the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in front of 30,000 people. Centuries: 1st century BC - 1st century - 2nd century Decades: 40s - 50s - 60s - 70s - 80s - 90s - 100s - 110s - 120s - 130s - 140s 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 Sometimes the 90s is used as shorthand for the 1990s, the 1890s, or other such decades in various centuries. ... This article is about the Spanish capital. ... March 29 is the 88th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (89th in leap years). ... Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ... The Hiram Bithorn Stadium (Estadio Hiram Bithorn in Spanish) is a baseball stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico operated by the municipal government of the city of San Juan. ...

The New Millennium

In 2002, El Gran Combo celebrated their 40th anniversary with two sold-out concerts at the Ruben Rodríguez Coliseum in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. This celebration spawned a renowned album that was recognized as one of the best of the year. A year later, they received a Grammy for Best Tropical Album. For album titles with the same name, see 2002 (album). ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

As of 2006, the orchestra has released over 40 albums or CD's, and it has received many awards, including golden albums, a "Calendario de Plata" in Mexico, a "Golden Combo" in Colombia, a "Paoli Award" in their native Puerto Rico, a honorable distinction in Spain and countless others. For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... CD may stand for: Compact Disc Canadian Forces Decoration Cash Dispenser (at least used in Japan) CD LPMud Driver Centrum-Demokraterne (Centre Democrats of Denmark) Certificate of Deposit České Dráhy (Czech Railways) Chad (NATO country code) Chalmers Datorförening (computer club of the Chalmers University of Technology) a 1960s...

In 2006, they released their latest album titled Arroz con Habichuela. It has already spawned two hit singles. The first one titled "No Hay Manera" ("There's No Way"), and the title song. For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... Arroz con Habichuela is the recent studio album by El Gran Combo released on November 28, 2006. ...

In 2007, El Gran Combo performed two massive concerts at the Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum to celebrate their 45 anniversary. 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum. ...

Current Members

Singers

• Charlie Aponte (1973 - present)
• Jerry Rivas (1977 - present)
• Luis "Papo" Rosario (1980 - present)This is wrong

Year 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ...

Orchestra

• Rafael Ithier - leader, director (1962 - present); piano (1962 - 2004; except on live performances)
• Willie Sotelo piano (2006 - present}
• Eddie Pérez - saxophone (1962 - present)
• Freddie Miranda - saxophone (1980 - present)
• Luis "Tati" Maldonado - trumpet (1970 - present)
• Victor "Cano" González - trumpet(1980 - present)
• Moisés Nogueras - trombone (1991 - present)
• Freddy Rivera - bass guitar (1989 - present)
• Domingo "Cuqui" Santos - timbales (1988 - present)
• Miguel "Pollo" Torres - conga (1979 - present)
• Richie Bastar - bongo (2001 - present)
• Jorge Torres - sound engineer
• David Marrero - support personnel

Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... A short grand piano, with the top up. ... Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... shelby was here 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A short grand piano, with the top up. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... The saxophone (colloquially referred to as sax) is a conical-bored instrument of the woodwind family, usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece like the clarinet. ... Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The saxophone (colloquially referred to as sax) is a conical-bored instrument of the woodwind family, usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece like the clarinet. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... The trumpet is the highest brass instrument in register, above the French horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, and tuba. ... 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday. ... The trumpet is the highest brass instrument in register, above the French horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, and tuba. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... The electric bass guitar (or electric bass) is a string instrument played with the fingers by plucking, slapping, or using a pick. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... Timbales (or tymbales) are shallow cylindrical single-headed drums, similar to single-headed tom-toms. ... Year 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar). ... A pair of congas The conga is a tall, narrow, single-headed Cuban drum of African origin, probably derived from the Congolese Makuta drums. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Look up bongo in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Audio engineering is the branch of engineering dealing with the production of sound through mechanical means. ...

Former Members

Singers

• Joseito Mateo (1962)
• Pellín Rodríguez (1962 - 1973)
• Marcos Montañez (1973)
• "Chiqui" Rivera (1962)
• Andy Montañez (1962 - 1977)

Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ...

Percussion

• Milton Correa - timbales (1962 - 1970)
• Miguel Marrero - timbales (1970 - 1979)
• Edgardo Morales - timbales (1979 - 1988)
• Martín Quiñones - conga (1962 - 1977)
• Martin Quiñones, Jr. - conga (1977)
• Luis Díaz - conga (1977)

Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday. ... 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Year 1988 (MCMLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ...

Bass

• Miguel Cruz - bass guitar (1962 - 1975)
• Fernando Pérez - bass guitar (1975 - 1989)

Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ...

Brass Section

• Mike Torres - trumpet (1969)
• Epifanio "Fanny" Ceballos - trombone (1971 - 1991)
• Toñito Vázquez - trombone (1991)

For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday. ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the 1991 Gregorian calendar). ...

Others

• Hector Santos (1962 - 1969)
• Rogelio "Kito" Vélez (1962 - 1964)
• Roberto Roena (1962 - 1969)
• Daniel Vázquez (1962 - ????)
• Mickey Duchesne (1962 - ????)
• Elias Lopez (1964 - 1969)
• Edwin Cortés (1969)
• "Baby" Serrano (1969 - 1984)
• José "Keko" Duchesne (1969 - 1980)
• Tommy Sánchez (1969 - ????)
• Gerardo "Grillo" Cruz (1969 - 1979)
• Miguel Laboy (1984 - ????)
• Mike Ramos (1970 - 1984)
• Edwin González (1979)
• Nelson Feliciano (1979 - 1980)
• Paquito Guzman (Coros; Recording Sessions 1971 - 1976)
• Elliot Romero (Coros; Recording Sessions 1973 - 1977)
• Yayo "El Indio" (Coros; Recording Sessions 1977 - 1979)

Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1964 (MCMLXIV) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1964 calendar). ... Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1964 (MCMLXIV) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1964 calendar). ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... Year 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar). ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... For the Stargate SG-1 episode, see 1969 (Stargate SG-1). ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Year 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar). ... 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday. ... Year 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar). ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday. ... Year 1976 (MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the 1976 Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ...

See also

• List of famous Puerto Ricans

list of famous Puerto Ricans in alphabetical order by last names, where applicable. ...

External links

• Official Website