El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, commonly known as El Gran Combo, is a Puerto Rican Salsa music orchestra. It is Puerto Rico's most successful musical group, and one of Salsa's most famous groups across Latin America. In 1983 Colombian people involved in musical matters gave them the moniker La Universidad de la Salsa (The University of Salsa).
Released in 1985, Nuestra Musica by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico captures the heart and soul of Puerto Rican salsa. Produced by Ralph Cartagena and recorded in New York City, this 12” vinyl album epitomizes the iconic sound of “La Universidad de la Salsa” (The University of Salsa). El Gran Combo’s legendary energy and dedication to Puerto Rican culture shine through in each track, making Nuestra Musica a timeless piece of Latin music history.
The Essence of Puerto Rican Salsa
By the mid-1980s, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico had already established themselves as salsa icons, with a career spanning over two decades. Nuestra Musica reflects their deep connection to Puerto Rican traditions and showcases their ability to weave storytelling into salsa. With a blend of upbeat dance rhythms and lyrics that resonate with cultural pride, the album invites listeners to celebrate Puerto Rican identity through the rich sounds of salsa.
Album Production and Sound Quality
Produced by Ralph Cartagena and released by Combo Records (RSCLP 2045 Series 00898), Nuestra Musica was crafted with the highest standards of vinyl production, providing an authentic, warm sound that captures the essence of live performance. At 230 grams in weight (cover and record), the album’s robust quality enhances the listening experience, making it ideal for salsa enthusiasts and vinyl collectors.
The recording’s New York City production reflects El Gran Combo’s connection with the Latin diaspora, bridging Puerto Rican roots with the vibrant Latin scene in the United States. The bustling salsa community in New York, combined with the band’s commitment to cultural authenticity, gave Nuestra Musica a sound that resonates deeply with fans across generations.
The Album’s Legacy and Cultural Impact
Nuestra Musica cemented El Gran Combo’s reputation as cultural ambassadors for Puerto Rican music. The album’s themes—family, nature, tradition, and celebration—reflect the values of Puerto Rican society, resonating with audiences on a deep emotional level. Each track serves as a testament to the band’s commitment to preserving and celebrating their heritage, while the album as a whole reinforces their position as pillars of the salsa genre.
As salsa continued to gain popularity internationally, Nuestra Musica helped introduce global audiences to Puerto Rican culture and traditions. The album’s festive tracks, particularly La Fiesta de Pilito and Asalto Navideño, remain popular during holiday seasons, making them timeless classics that are still played at gatherings and celebrations.
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Music Genre: Salsa de Puerto Rico |
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Album Production Information: The album: "EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Nuestra Musica" was produced by: Ralph Cartagena |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Combo Records RSCLP 2045 Series 00898 |
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Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1985 Made in New York City, USA |
Complete Track Listing of: "EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Nuestra Musica" |
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The Songs/tracks on "EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Nuestra Musica" are
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Album cover photos of : EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Nuestra Musica |
| Front Cover Photo of "EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Nuestra Musica" Album |
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The album cover for Nuestra Musica by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico showcases a serene and iconic Puerto Rican landscape. The image features a view of the coastline with lush greenery and orange flowers in the foreground, leading to an ancient stone wall that extends along the shoreline. Atop the wall is a colonial-era watchtower, hinting at Puerto Rico’s historical architecture. The sky is a rich blue, suggesting a calm, sunny day, while the sea adds a tranquil backdrop to the scene. The album title Nuestra Musica appears in a bold, cursive red script, while “El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico” is displayed in a vibrant, stylized font at the top, blending shades of yellow, orange, and red. This cover reflects the band’s pride in their heritage and the beauty of Puerto Rican culture, setting the stage for the music within. |
| Back Cover Photo of "EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Nuestra Musica" Album |
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Close-up Photo of "EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO Nuestra Musica" Record Label
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| Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, also known as "La Universidad de la Salsa," is one of the most iconic salsa bands in the world. The group was formed in 1962, and since then, it has become a beloved institution in Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America. In the 1980s and 1990s, El Gran Combo continued to produce hit after hit, solidifying their status as one of the most important salsa bands in history.
During the 1980s, El Gran Combo released a series of albums that became instant classics. These included "En Acción," "El Gran Combo '82," "Aquí No Se Sienta Nadie," and "Happy Days." These albums featured some of the band's biggest hits, including "El Menú," "La Loma del Tamarindo," "La Fiesta de Pilito," and "El Gran Combo Boogaloo." The band's unique blend of salsa, boogaloo, and other Latin rhythms made them a hit with fans all over the world.
In addition to their musical accomplishments, El Gran Combo was also known for their high-energy live performances. The band's shows were known for their tight arrangements, lively choreography, and infectious energy. Fans would pack stadiums and dance the night away to El Gran Combo's signature sound.
As the 1980s turned into the 1990s, El Gran Combo continued to produce hit albums and singles. The band's 1990 album, "El Swing del Gran Combo," featured the hit single "Achilipú," which became one of the band's biggest hits of all time. Other hit albums from this era included "Por el Libro" (1991) and "Nuevo Milenio - El Mismo Sabor" (1999).
Throughout the 1990s, El Gran Combo remained at the forefront of the salsa scene, despite the rise of other genres such as reggaeton and merengue. The band's enduring popularity was a testament to their incredible musicianship, catchy melodies, and ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.
In 1992, El Gran Combo celebrated their 30th anniversary with a massive concert in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The concert, which was attended by over 50,000 fans, featured some of the band's biggest hits and was a testament to their lasting legacy.
Today, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico continues to tour and perform, bringing their unique brand of salsa to fans all over the world. The band's enduring popularity is a testament to their incredible talent and the timeless appeal of their music. As long as there are fans who love to dance and sing along to classic salsa hits, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico will continue to be one of the most beloved bands in Latin music history.
MUSART MPI 80187 , 1990 , Mexico
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"Ameme" is the 1989 studio album released by the Puerto Rican salsa band, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. The album became the group's fifth #1 album to top the Billboard Tropical Albums chart.
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Combo Records RCSLP-2070 Series 00998 , 1990 , USA
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, commonly known as El Gran Combo, is a Puerto Rican Salsa music orchestra. It is Puerto Rico's most successful musical group, and one of Salsa's most famous groups across Latin America. In 1983 Colombian people involved in musical matters gave them the moniker La Universidad de la Salsa (The University of Salsa).
Learn more
Combo Records RSCLP 2045 Series 00898 , 1985 , USA
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, is Puerto Rico's most successful musical group, and one of Salsa's most famous groups across Latin America. In 1983 Colombian people involved in musical matters gave them the moniker La Universidad de la Salsa (The University of Salsa).
Learn more
COMBO Records RCSLP 2068 , 1988 , Colombia
"Romantico y Sabroso" is the 1987 studio album released by Puerto Rican salsa group, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. The album is considered El Gran Combos first release dominated by the distinct sub-genre known as salsa romantica.
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Combo Records RCSLP 2048 , 1986 , USA
"Y Su Pueblo" is the title of the 1986 studio album released by Puerto Rican salsa group, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. The album became the second #1 album to top the Billboard Tropical Albums chart ironically dethroning the group's previous album,
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