El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is Puerto Rico’s most successful musical group, and “the most popular Salsa group that has ever existed.”
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is the most popular Salsa band ever
The orchestra was founded in 1962 by Rafael Ithier. He is still around as honorary music director.
A lot of famous Salseros were part of the band over the years. Ismael Rivera, Roberto Roena, Andy Montañez, Charlie Aponte, Jerry Rivas, and many more. So many great artists have been part of the band that the Colombians call it “La Universidad de la Salsa” (The Salsa University).
El Gran Combo’s first album was Menéame los mangos (Shake My Mango 1963). Their third album Acángana (1964) opened doors for the band when it went No. 1 in New York, Puerto Rico, and Panama. The band got their own television show in Puerto Rico El Show de las 12.
The band opened for the FANIA All-Stars at the legendary 1973 concert at Yankee Stadium.
El Gran Combo is still going strong. For New York there is nothing like la Salsa de Puerto Rico.
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico in New York City
The band plays Madison Square Garden in Chelsea, Manhattan on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 8pm.
The band plays the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at 7pm. $35 – $134
The band plays B.B. King Blues Club’s closing week with Eddie Palmieri in Midtown, Manhattan on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 8 pm. $69 – $125
