El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, founded in 1962 by Rafael Ithier, is a seminal salsa orchestra renowned for its vibrant rhythms and enduring influence. Dubbed "La Universidad de la Salsa" (The University of Salsa), the group has been a launching pad for numerous celebrated artists, including Andy Montañez and Gilberto Santa Rosa. With over 50 albums and countless accolades, such as gold records and Latin Grammys, El Gran Combo's dynamic performances and rich musical heritage continue to captivate audiences worldwide. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Gran_Combo_de_Puerto_Rico?utm_source=openai))