El Gran Combo
Encyclopedia
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 the most popular salsa orchestras across Latin America. The group received the moniker La Universidad de la Salsa (The University of Salsa) in Colombia, due to the sheer number of famous salsa musicians and singers who developed their careers with it, who started with the group (particularly Andy Montañez
), or who were occasionally backed up by the band (including Celia Cruz
, Héctor Lavoe
and La India
).
El Gran Combo was founded in May 1962, by Rafael Ithier
. Ithier is still nominally its musical director, and he and saxophonist Eddie "La Bala" Pérez are the only remaining members from the band's original lineup. Willie Sotelo, who joined the group in 2006 as pianist, has become the band's de facto musical director on tours, with Ithier conducting the group and playing occasionally in select live performances. They are still actively performing after 47 years together.
's "Cortijo y su Combo" orchestra. After singer Ismael Rivera
faced legal problems in Panama
, some of the group's musicians departed, with Ithier relocating temporarily to the eastern Guedes, the Cuban-born
owner of the Gema recording label (and brother of comedic actor Guillermo), needed a backing band to record an album for legendary Dominican
merengue
singer Joseíto Mateo. He asked Ithier for assistance, and Ithier responded by bringing in many of his former colleagues to the studio. For their first recording sessions, the orchestra included some musicians from Cortijo's original lineup, including saxophonist Hector Santos
, trumpet player Rogelio "Kito" Velez, and percussionists Martín Quiñones, Miguel Cruz and Roberto Roena
. Alvarez Guedes was told by Ithier that the name of the group was El Gran Combo, as to refer to the musicians' former affiliation, but addressing their regrouping as a "new and improved" version of Cortijo's orchestra. The album they recorded was titled Menéame Los Mangos, El Gran Combo con Joseito Mateo (the phrase translates as Shake My Handles or Shake My Mangoes, a play on words).
The group met again to define the foundations of a proper orchestra and chose singers Daniel Vázquez, Pellín Rodríguez
and Chiquitín García (who later composed, among other major EGC hits, "No Hago Más Ná", or "I Don't Do Anything Else"). On May 21, 1962, El Gran Combo was heard for the first time on Puerto Rican radio. Later on, they became the in-studio musicians of the live television show, "La Taberna India", sponsored by India Beer
.
After their live debut at Hotel La Concha in San Juan, Puerto Rico
, Chiquitín García left the orchestra. Vocalist Sammy Ayala
, who had also played with Ithier in the Cortijo orchestra, recommended the hiring of Andy Montañez
. Felipe Rodríguez
, a legendary singer of romantic music, also followed the group's career closely, sometimes even making suggestions to Ithier.
, Panama
and Puerto Rico
. Their success opened doors for them in many Latin American markets and they gained an exclusivity spot on the Puerto Rican
television show El Show de las 12
. The album also reached gold status.
On 1964, trumpet player and arranger Elías Lopes joined the orchestra, coinciding with the group's first popularity wave. With their daily TV appearances and extensive touring, however, demand for the group declined due to overexposure. Still, in 1967, their album Boogaloo con el Gran Combo also reached gold status. In 1969, Roena and Lopes left the orchestra to form the Apollo Sound together. Despite all this, that same year the group was awarded an Agüeybana de Oro in Puerto Rico.
, and had to stop at Las Américas International Airport
in Santo Domingo. One of the band's members had a bad premonition 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
.
In 1971, El Gran Combo introduced the trombone
to their instrument mix. The trombone was played by Fanny Ceballos. Soon after, their production named De Punta a Punta (slang for "From Coast to Coast") was released. After recording that album Pellín Rodriguez left the group to embark on a solo career. Rodríguez was replaced by Charlie Aponte at the recommendation of Jerry Concepción and the well known sportscaster Rafael Bracero
, both friends of Ithier.
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.
Montañez left the band in early 1977 and went to live in Venezuela
, where he received a good contract to replace Oscar D'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.
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 an automobile 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.
where they received a great welcome soon after they released their album titled Breaking the Ice which garnered them their first Grammy nomination.
In 1982 they celebrated their 20th anniversary playing at Madison Square Garden
. They also reached Europe that year playing in Paris, France.
In the early 90s, they were honored in the city of Madrid, Spain to open the decade on the right track. On March 29, 1992, they celebrated a huge concert in the Hiram Bithorn Stadium
in front of 30,000 people.
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. Among other musicians, they are one of the "enduring superstars of the island"
, 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, an honorable distinction in Spain and countless others.
In 2006, they released their latest album titled Arroz con Habichuela
("Rice and Beans"). It has already spawned three hit singles. The first one titled "No Hay Manera" ("There's No Way"), the title song, and "Si La Vez Por Ahí".
In 2007, El Gran Combo performed two massive concerts at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum
to celebrate their 45th anniversary.
In 2010, two tribute albums were released, one by former member Andy Montañez and another by the bank Banco Popular, as part of their annual music series.
In August 2011, El Gran Combo rewrote the lyrics to their own hit "No Hago Más Ná", or "I Don't Do Anything Else" that sang in satire about the day of a lazy person to a more positive "Echar Pa'lante" or "Moving Forward" which sang about the virtues of going to work. They also released a video with a positive introductory message which showed clips of working people in similarities with them playing instruments.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
Salsa music
Salsa music
Salsa music is a genre of music, generally defined as a modern style of playing Cuban Son, Son Montuno, and Guaracha with touches from other genres of music...
orchestra. It is Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
's most successful musical group, and one of the most popular salsa orchestras across Latin America. The group received the moniker La Universidad de la Salsa (The University of Salsa) in Colombia, due to the sheer number of famous salsa musicians and singers who developed their careers with it, who started with the group (particularly Andy Montañez
Andy Montañez
Andrés Montañez , better known as Andy Montañez, is a salsa singer from Puerto Rico.-Early life:Montañez, like singer Daniel Santos and boxer Ossie Ocasio, is a native of the Tras Talleres area of Santurce San Juan. He is known by the nickname "El Godfather de la Salsa"...
), or who were occasionally backed up by the band (including Celia Cruz
Celia Cruz
Celia Cruz was a Cuban-American salsa singer, and was one of the most successful Salsa performers of the 20th century, having earned twenty-three gold albums...
, Héctor Lavoe
Héctor Lavoe
Héctor Juan Pérez Martínez , better known as Héctor Lavoe, was a Puerto Rican salsa singer. Lavoe was born and raised in the Machuelito sector of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Early in his life, he attended a local music school and developed an interest inspired by Jesús Sánchez Erazo. He moved to New York...
and La India
La India
La India , known also as "La Princesa de la Salsa" , is a singer of salsa. She has been nominated for both Grammy and Latin Grammy awards.-Early years:...
).
El Gran Combo was founded in May 1962, by Rafael Ithier
Rafael Ithier
Rafael Ithier , is a Salsa musician and the founder of the highly successful orchestra El Gran Combo. Ithier was born in Río Piedras, now a part of greater San Juan.-Early years:...
. Ithier is still nominally its musical director, and he and saxophonist Eddie "La Bala" Pérez are the only remaining members from the band's original lineup. Willie Sotelo, who joined the group in 2006 as pianist, has become the band's de facto musical director on tours, with Ithier conducting the group and playing occasionally in select live performances. They are still actively performing after 47 years together.
Inception
Rafael Ithier had been a member of Rafael CortijoRafael Cortijo
Rafael Cortijo , was a Puerto Rican musician, orchestra leader, and composer.As a child, Cortijo became interested in Caribbean music and enjoyed the works of some of the era's most successful Plena music musicians...
's "Cortijo y su Combo" orchestra. After singer Ismael Rivera
Ismael Rivera
Ismael "Maelo" Rivera , was a renowned Puerto Rican composer and singer of salsa music.-Early life:Ismael Rivera was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, on October 5, 1931. He was the first of five children born to Luis and Margarita Rivera. His father, Luis, was a carpenter and his mother a housewife...
faced legal problems in Panama
Panama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
, some of the group's musicians departed, with Ithier relocating temporarily to the eastern Guedes, the Cuban-born
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
owner of the Gema recording label (and brother of comedic actor Guillermo), needed a backing band to record an album for legendary Dominican
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
merengue
Merengue music
Merengue is a type of music and dance from the Dominican Republic. It is popular in the Dominican Republic and all over Latin America. Its name is Spanish, taken from the name of the meringue, a dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar...
singer Joseíto Mateo. He asked Ithier for assistance, and Ithier responded by bringing in many of his former colleagues to the studio. For their first recording sessions, the orchestra included some musicians from Cortijo's original lineup, including saxophonist Hector Santos
Héctor Santos
Héctor Santos is a retired Uruguayan football goalkeeper.-Career:During his club career, Santos played for CA Bella Vista, Nacional and Alianza Lima. He represented the Uruguay national football team 14 times and played in the 1970 FIFA World Cup and the 1974 FIFA World Cup.-References:...
, trumpet player Rogelio "Kito" Velez, and percussionists Martín Quiñones, Miguel Cruz and Roberto Roena
Roberto Roena
Roberto Roena is a salsa music percussionist, orchestra leader, and dancer. Roena was one of the original members of El Gran Combo Puerto Rican's first successful salsa music orchestra. He later became the leader of his own band, "Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound", arguably one of the best Latin...
. Alvarez Guedes was told by Ithier that the name of the group was El Gran Combo, as to refer to the musicians' former affiliation, but addressing their regrouping as a "new and improved" version of Cortijo's orchestra. The album they recorded was titled Menéame Los Mangos, El Gran Combo con Joseito Mateo (the phrase translates as Shake My Handles or Shake My Mangoes, a play on words).
The group met again to define the foundations of a proper orchestra and chose singers Daniel Vázquez, Pellín Rodríguez
Pellin Rodríguez
Pellín Rodríguez , was a Salsa singer. Rodríguez was a member of the musical group El Gran Combo and toured with them all over Europe and Latin America, gaining fame and popularity as a singer. In addition to his singing capabilities, Rodríguez had great comedic abilities and participated on...
and Chiquitín García (who later composed, among other major EGC hits, "No Hago Más Ná", or "I Don't Do Anything Else"). On May 21, 1962, El Gran Combo was heard for the first time on Puerto Rican radio. Later on, they became the in-studio musicians of the live television show, "La Taberna India", sponsored by India Beer
Compañía Cervecera de Puerto Rico
The Compañía Cervecera de Puerto Rico is one of two breweries in Puerto Rico. It is located in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. The company's main brand is Medalla Light.-History:...
.
After their live debut at Hotel La Concha in San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan , officially Municipio de la Ciudad Capital San Juan Bautista , is the capital and most populous municipality in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 395,326 making it the 46th-largest city under the jurisdiction of...
, Chiquitín García left the orchestra. Vocalist Sammy Ayala
Sammy Ayala
Sammy Ayala is a retired Mexican American professional boxer in the Welterweight division.-Early life:...
, who had also played with Ithier in the Cortijo orchestra, recommended the hiring of Andy Montañez
Andy Montañez
Andrés Montañez , better known as Andy Montañez, is a salsa singer from Puerto Rico.-Early life:Montañez, like singer Daniel Santos and boxer Ossie Ocasio, is a native of the Tras Talleres area of Santurce San Juan. He is known by the nickname "El Godfather de la Salsa"...
. Felipe Rodríguez
Felipe Rodríguez
Luis Felipe Rodriguez, better known as Felipe "La Voz" Rodríguez, born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, was a singer of boleros. He is regarded as the most popular Puerto Rican male singer of the 1950s based on record sales and live audience records...
, a legendary singer of romantic music, also followed the group's career closely, sometimes even making suggestions to Ithier.
First albums
On November 20, 1963, El Gran Combo released their first group album, Acángana, with Rodríguez and Montañez as lead singers. The album became a number one hit in New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Panama
Panama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
and Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
. Their success opened doors for them in many Latin American markets and they gained an exclusivity spot on the Puerto Rican
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
television show El Show de las 12
El Show de las 12
El Show de las 12 is a Puerto Rican mid-day variety television series airing on WKAQ-TV, and later on the nationwide Telemundo network, and hosted by Eddie Miro for most of its run. It aired every week-day for 40 years until its cancellation on February 25, 2005....
. The album also reached gold status.
On 1964, trumpet player and arranger Elías Lopes joined the orchestra, coinciding with the group's first popularity wave. With their daily TV appearances and extensive touring, however, demand for the group declined due to overexposure. Still, in 1967, their album Boogaloo con el Gran Combo also reached gold status. In 1969, Roena and Lopes left the orchestra to form the Apollo Sound together. Despite all this, that same year the group was awarded an Agüeybana de Oro in Puerto Rico.
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 CuraçaoCuraçao
Curaçao is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea, off the Venezuelan coast. The Country of Curaçao , which includes the main island plus the small, uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao , is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands...
, and had to stop at Las Américas International Airport
Las Américas International Airport
-Cargo airlines:-Accidents and incidents:*On February 15, 1970, a Dominicana de Aviación DC-9 flying to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, crashed, killing all 102 persons on board ....
in Santo Domingo. One of the band's members had a bad premonition 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
Dominicana DC-9 air disaster
The Dominicana de Aviación Santo Domingo DC-9 air disaster occurred on February 15, 1970 when a Dominicana de Aviación McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 twin-engine jet airliner crashed on takeoff from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic en route to San Juan, Puerto Rico.The aircraft used for the Dominicana...
.
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, under the label "Combo Records". Their first album under their label, EGC, is titled Estamos Primeros.In 1971, El Gran Combo introduced the trombone
Trombone
The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
to their instrument mix. The trombone was played by Fanny Ceballos. Soon after, their production named De Punta a Punta (slang for "From Coast to Coast") was released. After recording that album Pellín Rodriguez left the group to embark on a solo career. Rodríguez was replaced by Charlie Aponte at the recommendation of Jerry Concepción and the well known sportscaster Rafael Bracero
Rafael Bracero
Rafael Bracero is a famous Puerto Rican sportscaster. Bracero graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez then known as Colegio de Artes Mecánicas with a degree in civil engineering, and then he joined Puerto Rico's Perez Perry Channel 11 to cover sports as their main reporter.The...
, both friends of Ithier.
In 1973, El Gran Combo sang in front of 50,000 fans at the famous Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in The Bronx in New York City, New York. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1973 and from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the former home of the New York...
in New York City as the opening act for the Fania All-Stars
Fania All-Stars
The Fania All-Stars was a musical ensemble established in 1968 by the composer, Johnny Pacheco, as a showcase for the musicians on the record label Fania Records, the leading salsa record company of the time.-Beginnings:...
' sold out concert.
Montañez left the band in early 1977 and went to live in Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
, where he received a good contract to replace Oscar D'León
Oscar D'León
Oscar Emilio León Somoza, better known as Oscar D'León is a Venezuelan musician who became internationally famous for his salsa music. In Spanish, he is known as El Sonero del Mundo . His most famous song is perhaps "Llorarás," which he recorded in 1975 with his group La Dimensión Latina...
in another orchestra, Dimension Latina
Dimensión Latina
The Dimensión Latina is one of the more famous and representative Salsa music and Latin bands from Venezuela, and one of the remarkable names in the early history of Salsa in the American continent...
. 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
International
----International mostly means something that involves more than one country. The term international as a word means involvement of, interaction between or encompassing more than one nation, or generally beyond national boundaries...
and 1978's En Las Vegas which reached gold record status.
In 1975, El Gran Combo en Navidad, a Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
album, was released, with Martín Quiñones appearing as Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Santa Claus is a folklore figure in various cultures who distributes gifts to children, normally on Christmas Eve. Each name is a variation of Saint Nicholas, but refers to Santa Claus...
in the album's cover. After an automobile 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.
Recent years
The band continues to receive numerous awards throughout Latin America. In 1984, they traveled to AlaskaAlaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
where they received a great welcome soon after they released their album titled Breaking the Ice which garnered them their first Grammy nomination.
In 1982 they celebrated their 20th anniversary playing at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
. They also reached Europe that year playing in Paris, France.
In the early 90s, they were honored in the city of Madrid, Spain to open the decade on the right track. On March 29, 1992, they celebrated a huge concert in the Hiram Bithorn Stadium
Hiram Bithorn Stadium
Hiram Bithorn Stadium is a baseball park in San Juan, Puerto Rico, operated by the municipal government of the city of San Juan. Its name honors the first Puerto Rican to play in the major leagues, Hiram Bithorn, who first played with the Chicago Cubs in 1942...
in front of 30,000 people.
The new millennium
In 2002, El Gran Combo celebrated their 40th anniversary with two sold-out concerts at the Ruben Rodríguez ColiseumColiseo Rubén Rodríguez
The Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez is one of the biggest indoor sporting arenas in Puerto Rico. The coliseum was dedicated to Rubén Rodríguez . It is located in Bayamón, Puerto Rico...
in Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Bayamón is a municipality of Puerto Rico located on the northern coastal valley, north of Aguas Buenas and Comerío; south of Toa Baja and Cataño; west of Guaynabo; and east of Toa Alta and Naranjito. Bayamón is spread over 11 wards and Bayamón Pueblo...
. 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. Among other musicians, they are one of the "enduring superstars of the island"
, 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
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
, a "Paoli Award" in their native Puerto Rico, an honorable distinction in Spain and countless others.
In 2006, they released their latest album titled Arroz con Habichuela
Arroz con Habichuela
Arroz con Habichuela is the recent studio album by El Gran Combo released on November 28, 2006. The title of the album means "rice with beans" which is a popular plate in Puerto Rico. It is also the first album that the newest member, Willie Sotelo, takes over the piano for Rafael Ithier, who is...
("Rice and Beans"). It has already spawned three hit singles. The first one titled "No Hay Manera" ("There's No Way"), the title song, and "Si La Vez Por Ahí".
In 2007, El Gran Combo performed two massive concerts at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum
José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum
The José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, officially named "Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot" , is the biggest indoor arena in Puerto Rico dedicated to entertainment...
to celebrate their 45th anniversary.
In 2010, two tribute albums were released, one by former member Andy Montañez and another by the bank Banco Popular, as part of their annual music series.
In August 2011, El Gran Combo rewrote the lyrics to their own hit "No Hago Más Ná", or "I Don't Do Anything Else" that sang in satire about the day of a lazy person to a more positive "Echar Pa'lante" or "Moving Forward" which sang about the virtues of going to work. They also released a video with a positive introductory message which showed clips of working people in similarities with them playing instruments.
Discography
| Album | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Menéame los Mangos, el Gran Combo con Joseito Mateo | 1962 | Gema Records |
| El Gran Combo... de Siempre | 1963 | Gema Records |
| Acángana | 1963 | Gema Records |
| Ojos Chinos, Jala Jala | 1964 | Gema Records |
| El Caballo Pelotero | 1965 | Gema Records |
| Traigo un Tumba'o, Meneíto Me | 1965 | Gema Records |
| El Swing del Gran Combo con Pellín y Andy | 1966 | Gema Records |
| El Gran Combo En Navidad | 1967 | Gema Records |
| Maldito Callo | 1967 | Gema Records |
| Esos Ojitos Negros | 1967 | Gema Records |
| Fiesta Con El Gran Combo | 1967 | Gema Records |
| Boleros Románticos Con El Gran Combo | 1967 | Gema Records |
| Tú Querías Boogaloo, Toma Boogaloo | 1967 | Gema Records |
| Pata Pata, Jala Jala Y Boogaloo | 1967 | Gema Records |
| Boogaloos Con El Gran Combo | 1967 | Gema Records |
| Tangos Tangos Tangos is a flamenco palo closely related in form and feeling to the Rumba. It is often performed as a finale to a Tientos. Its compas and llamada are the same as that of the Farruca and share the Farruca's lively nature. However, Tangos is normally performed in the A Phrygian mode.Tangos is... |
1967 | Gema Records |
| Merengues Merengue music Merengue is a type of music and dance from the Dominican Republic. It is popular in the Dominican Republic and all over Latin America. Its name is Spanish, taken from the name of the meringue, a dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar... |
1968 | Gema Records |
| Guarachas | 1968 | Gema Records |
| Bombas, Bombas, Bombas | 1968 | Gema Records |
| Los Nenes Sicodélicos | 1968 | Gema Records |
| Latin Power | 1968 | Gema Records |
| Smile, It's El Gran Combo | 1968 | Gema Records |
| Este Si Que Es El Gran Combo | 1969 | Gema Records |
| Estamos Primeros | 1970 | EGC Records |
| De Punta A Punta | 1971 | EGC Records |
| Por El Libro | 1972 | EGC Records |
| En Acción | 1973 | EGC Records |
| Número 5 | 1973 | EGC Records |
| Disfrútelo Hasta El Cabo | 1974 | EGC Records |
| Número 7 | 1975 | EGC Records |
| Los Sorullos | 1975 | EGC Records |
| Mejor Que Nunca | 1976 | EGC Records |
| Internacional | 1977 | EGC Records |
| En Las Vegas | 1978 | Combo Records |
| Aquí No Se Sienta Nadie | 1979 | Combo Records |
| Unity | 1980 | Combo Records |
| Happy Days Happy Days Happy Days is an American television sitcom that originally aired from January 15, 1974, to September 24, 1984, on ABC. Created by Garry Marshall, the series presents an idealized vision of life in mid-1950s to mid-1960s America.... |
1981 | Combo Records |
| Nuestro Aniversario | 1982 | Combo Records |
| 20th Anniversary 20th Anniversary 20th Anniversary is The Rippingtons' fourteenth album which was released in 2006.-Track listing:Packaged with the album is a DVD which contains a 25 minute retrospective, as well as four music videos:... |
1982 | Combo Records |
| La Universidad De La Salsa | 1983 | Combo Records |
| In Alaska: Breaking The Ice In Alaska: Breaking the Ice Breaking The Ice is an album by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico released in 1984. The album received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Tropical Latin Performance.-Track listing:# Carbonerito# La Creencias# Amigo Mio# No Es De Pena# Amor Brutal... |
1984 | Combo Records |
| Innovations Innovations (album) -Critical reception:José A. Estévez, Jr. of Allmusic gave the album a mixed review criticizing the lack of novelties while stating Juan Cabeza Dura, No Me Olvides and La Loma del Tamarindo were "servicable".-Chart performance:... |
1985 | Combo Records |
| Nuestra Musica | 1985 | Combo Records |
| Y Su Pueblo Y Su Pueblo -Critical reception:José A. Estévez, Jr. of Allmusic felt that the album was indifferent from the previous albums and gave the album a mixed review. On the hand, he praised the band for "swinging with nice material".-Chart performance:... |
1986 | Combo Records |
| 25th Anniversary | 1987 | Combo Records |
| Romántico Y Sabroso Romántico y Sabroso -Critical reception:José A. Estévez, Jr. of Allmusic gave the album a positive review and noted the change of style within the group with the influence of the salsa romantica era.-Chart performance:-Procession and succession:... |
1988 | Combo Records |
| Amame | 1989 | Combo Records |
| Latin Up! | 1990 | Combo Records |
| Erupción | 1991 | Combo Records |
| Gracias Gracias Gracias is a small Honduran town/municipality that was founded in 1536, and has a population of approximately 25,000 people... |
1992 | Combo Records |
| First Class International | 1993 | Combo Records |
| La Ruta Del Sabor | 1994 | Combo Records |
| Para Todos Los Gustos | 1995 | Fonovisa Records |
| Por Todo Lo Alto | 1996 | Fonovisa Records |
| 35 Years Around The World | 1997 | Combo Records |
| Pasaporte Musical | 1998 | Combo Records |
| Nuevo Milenio, El Mismo Sabor | 2001 | Combo Records |
| 40 Aniversario | 2002 | Combo Records |
| Estamos Aqui...¡Y De Verdad! | 2004 | Sony Discos Norte |
| Arroz con Habichuela Arroz con Habichuela Arroz con Habichuela is the recent studio album by El Gran Combo released on November 28, 2006. The title of the album means "rice with beans" which is a popular plate in Puerto Rico. It is also the first album that the newest member, Willie Sotelo, takes over the piano for Rafael Ithier, who is... |
2006 | Sony Discos Norte |
| Sin Salsa No Hay Paraiso | 2009 | Sony Discos Norte |
Singers
- Charlie Aponte (1973–present)
- Jerry Rivas (1977–present)
- Luis "Papo" Rosario (1980–present)
Orchestra
- Rafael Ithier - leader, director (1962–present); pianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
(1962–2006; except on live performances) - Willie Sotelo pianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
(2006–present) - Eddie "La Bala" Pérez - saxophoneSaxophoneThe saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
(1962–present). Pérez has a well-known compulsionCompulsive behaviorCompulsive behavior is behavior which a person does compulsively—in other words, not because they want to behave that way, but because they feel they have to do so....
for shaking his left shoulder before playing a part, a custom he says he acquired from wearing a bad instrument strap that clinged to his clothing. He was unable to do away with the custom, as many fans actually look forward to watching him perform this by-now ritual. - Freddie Miranda - saxophoneSaxophoneThe saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
(1980–present) - Luis "Taty" Maldonado - trumpetTrumpetThe trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
(1970–present) - Victor "Cano" E. Rodriguez - trumpetTrumpetThe trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
(1980–present) - Moisés Nogueras - tromboneTromboneThe trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
(1991–present) - Freddy Rivera - double bassDouble bassThe double bass, also called the string bass, upright bass, standup bass or contrabass, is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra, with strings usually tuned to E1, A1, D2 and G2...
(1989–present) - Domingo "Cuqui" Santos - timbalesTimbalesTimbales are shallow single-headed drums with metal casing, invented in Cuba. They are shallower in shape than single-headed tom-toms, and usually much higher tuned...
(1988–present) - Miguel "Pollo" Torres - congaCongaThe conga, or more properly the tumbadora, is a tall, narrow, single-headed Cuban drum with African antecedents. It is thought to be derived from the Makuta drums or similar drums associated with Afro-Cubans of Central African descent. A person who plays conga is called a conguero...
(1979–present) - Richie Bastar - bongoBongo drumBongo or bongos are a Cuban percussion instrument consisting of a pair of single-headed, open-ended drums attached to each other. The drums are of different size: the larger drum is called in Spanish the hembra and the smaller the macho...
(2001–present). Richie is the son of legendary percussionist Francisco "Kako" Bastar. - Jorge Torres - sound engineer
- David Marrero - support personnel
Singers
- Pellín Rodríguez (1962–1972)
- Andy Montañez (1962–1977)
- Marcos Montañez (1973)
- "Chiqui" Rivera (1962)
Percussion
- Milton Correa - timbales (1962–1970)
- Miguel Marrero - timbales (1970–1979)
- Edgardo Morales - timbales (1979–1988)
- Roberto Roena - bongos (1962–1969)
- Martín Quiñones - conga (1962–1977)
- Martín Quiñones, Jr. - conga (1962–1979)
- Luis Díaz - conga (1979)
Bass
- Miguel Cruz - bass guitar (1962–1975)
- Fernando Perez - bass guitar (1975–1989)
- Jaime Valentin - bass guitar (1995–1997)
Brass section
- Mike Torres - trumpet (1969)
- Epifanio "Fanny" Ceballos - trombone (1971–1991)
- Toñito Vázquez - trombone (1991)
Others
- Hector Santos (1962–1969)
- Rogelio "Kito" Vélez (1962–1964)
- Daniel Vázquez (1962)
- Mickey Duchesne (1962–1969)
- Elias Lopez (1964–1969)
- Edwin Cortés (1969)
- "Baby" Serrano - Bongos (1969–1984)
- José "Keko" Duchesne - Saxophone (1969–1980)
- Tommy Sánchez (1969)
- Gerardo "Grillo" Cruz-Trumpet (1969–1979)
- Miguel Laboy-Bongos (1984–2001)
- Mike Ramos-Coro (1969–1980)
- Edwin González (1979)
- Nelson Feliciano-Trumpet (1979–1980)
- Paquito Guzman (Coros; Recording Sessions 1971–1976)
- Elliot Romero (Coros; Recording Sessions 1973–1977)
- Yayo "El Indio" (Coros; Recording Sessions 1977–1979)
- Tito Henriquez (Coros; Recording Sessions 1978)
- Eddie W. Feyjoo (Trumpet; Recording 1980s-????)