Rafael Ithier Natal, the renowned pianist, musical director and founder of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, died on Saturday at the age of 99. The salsa community throughout the world is mourning for him. Messages and tributes came from everywhere when his family attorney announced his passing to the radio station WKAQ. A pivotal period in Puerto Rican and Latin music history comes to an end with Ithier's passing. El Gran Combo became one of the most significant salsa orchestras in history under his direction, recording over 70 albums and touring all five continents.How many El Gran Combo members are still alive?Over its more than six-decade-long history, El Gran Combo has seen numerous lineup changes, with many of its founding and longtime members having passed away or left the band over the years. With the passing of Rafael Ithier, there are no longer any surviving original members from the band's 1962 formation. The band, over the years, has lost important members which include musical director Willie Sotelo (2022), Pellín Rodríguez (2000), who was the leading vocalist from the formation till 1972 and then rejoined in 1996 till his death, Martín Quiñones (1995), who was the band's trombonist from its foundation till 1977, he retired because of health problems and later died in 1995. Andy Montañez, who was also another foundational member, had left the band in 1976 to pursue a solo career similar to Rodríguez, and became successful. Charlie Aponte began as a second lead singer in 1973 and remained there for more than 40 years before retiring in 2014. Meanwhile, vocalist and percussionist Tommy Sanchez left the band to pursue other musical endeavors in the 1970s after joining in 1969. El Gran Combo is still a functioning band today as its surviving members and an active lineup of younger musicians tour the world, which consists of 12 to 14 members. Rafael Ithier's life and careerRafael Ithier was born in Old San Juan on August 29, 1926 and was brought up in Río Piedras. He joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War after starting his career as a professional musician in 1941.Ithier established El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico with a number of former fellow members after leaving Rafael Cortijo's Combo in 1962 due to internal issues. The band's first production, "Menéame los mangos," was released in the same year, which led to their success. Under Ithier's leadership, the band became the first Puerto Rican orchestra to perform on five continents, which includes a performance at Madison Square Garden, multiple gold albums, and multiple awards, which include the Presidential Cup of Venezuela and the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015, and also becaming the first salsa band to perform live on television. As a band, they defined Puerto Rican musical identity. Rafael Ithier is survived by his wife, Carmen Soto and children Carlos, Pedro, Mérida, Maritza, and Ivonne. Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.