Biography
In May 1962, under the leadership of pianist/arranger/composer Rafael Ithier, members of Rafael Cortijo’s Combo deserted to become the 11-piece El Gran Combo (EGC). The defectors were Rogelio ‘Kito’ Vélez (d. 1990; trumpet and arrangements); Eddie Pérez and Héctor Santos (saxophones), Martin Quiñones (conga), Roberto Roena (bongo and dancer), Miguel Cruz (deceased) (bass). They were joined by Andy Montañez and Pellín Rodríguez (Pedro Rodríguez de Gracia, 4 December 1926, Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico, d. 31 October 1984; vocals); Milton Correa (timbales), Victor Pérez (trumpet). They became the quintessential salsa dance band, churning out hit albums for three decades. With the addition of a trombone in the late 60s and a third vocalist at the beginning of the 70s, EGC retained the resultant 13-piece format (two saxophones, two trumpets, trombone, conga, bongo, timbales, bass, piano and...
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