El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, known as “LaUniversidad de la Salsa” (The University of Salsa), is one of the mosticonic and enduring salsa orchestras in the history of Latin music. The groupwas founded in 1962, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, by pianist Rafael Ithierfollowing the breakup of Rafael Cortijo’s band.

From its beginnings, El Gran Combo established itself as apowerhouse in salsa and Afro-Caribbean music, combining infectious rhythms,sharp horn sections, and witty lyrics that celebrate Puerto Rican identity,everyday life, and love. Their early hits like “Acángana” and “Ojos Chinos”quickly made them household names throughout Latin America.

Over the years, the group has released more than 40 albums andperformed in over 60 countries, representing Puerto Rican culture on everycontinent. Signature songs such as “MeLiberé,” “Brujería,” “No Hago Más Ná,” and “Un Verano en Nueva York” are now salsaanthems that span generations.

El Gran Combo has received numerous accolades, including aLatin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. Despite multiple lineupchanges over the decades, the group has maintained its sound, values, andworldwide popularity, making it one of the longest-running salsa bands inhistory, now active for over 60 years.

Beloved by fans worldwide, El Gran Combo continues to tour andrelease music, proving that the joy and swing of Puerto Rican salsa aretimeless. Their legacy remains a vital part of the Island’s musical andcultural identity.

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