El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is one of Puerto Rico's most celebrated dance bands. Pianist and musical director Rafael Ithier (born Rafael Ithier Eddie Perez) is at the helm of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, which has been making Puerto Rican's and other fans dance for over four decades.

Ithier formed El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico in 1962 after performing with the popular Latin group Cortijo y Su Combo for a number of years, recruiting the band's dancer, percussionist, salsa bandleader (Roberto Roena) and chorus singer. El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico released their debut album, Acangana, in Mexico, Panama, Venezuela and the U.S. prior to its release in their native country. Since then, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico has performed for enthusiastic crowds in the Dominican Republic, Columbia and other nations and was also featured regularly on the popular Puerto Rican television show El Show de Las 12. Ithier and original saxophonist Eddie Perez are the only remaining original members (Roena formed a new group, Roberto y Su Apollo Sound Roena after departing the group in 1969).

The 13-piece salsa group was officially hailed the "Ambassadors of Our Music" by the Puerto Rican Senate due to their Latin rhythms and blossoming vocal harmonies, which are punctuated by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico's signature horn. Known for classic hits like "Timablero" and "El Menu," the band continues to inspire dancers and remain atop the Puerto Rican dance scene. Among El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico's most famous albums are 1978's En Las Vegas, which surpassed the one million copy mark in sales, and its follow-up album, In Alaska-Breaking the Ice, which earned the group a Grammy nomination. Despite their ever-evolving lineup, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico continues to make relevant music and doesn't appear to be slowing their pace any time soon.