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Led by pianist and musical director Rafael Ithier (born: Rafael Ithier Eddie Perez), El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is one of Puerto Rico's greatest dance bands. Four decades after their inception, the 13-piece salsa group continues to inspire dancers with its horn-punctuated Latin rhythms and lush vocal harmonies. Officially named "Ambassadors of Our Music" by the Puerto Rican Senate, El Gran Combo's many hits include such classics as "El Menu" and "Timablero." Their 1978 album, En Las Vegas sold more than one million copies, while its follow-up, In Alaska: Breaking the Ice was nominated for a Grammy. A longtime member of popular Latin band, Cortijo y Su Combo, Ithier formed El Gran Combo in 1962, with eight of his bandmates including percussionist, dancer, chorus singer, and salsa bandleader, Roberto Roena. The Puerto Rican release of the group's debut album, Acángana, recorded two days before the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, was delayed until it had already been release...