Jerry Rivas is now the voice that identifies The Great Combo of Puerto Rico . Given the departure of Charlie Aponte and the retirement due to health problems of Papo Rosario, the singer who 47 years ago replaced none other than Andy Montañez, has become the emblem of this orchestra, which has made numerous generations dance. However, despite having entered the category of legendary salsa vocalists, Jerry Rivas is humility made person.
He considers that he is still in ‘a learning stage’. The Republic chat with him, before the EGC presentations on Saturday, August 17 at the festival Chim Pum Callao and on Sunday the 18th at the Grand National Theater. —Three years from now you are going to celebrate 50 years with El Gran Combo.
How do you feel about your career linked to this famous orchestra? —Well, there is definitely a lot of learning, a lot of experiences. As a singer and musician I have developed and I have also had the great opportunity to get to know so many countries, so many beautiful people, so many people who welcome us well. In the case of Peru, it is very special.
Whenever we get there, they give us as much love as only you know how to do. The Great Combo means great satisfaction to me. First, a family.
And the way in which Mr. Rafael Ithier has carried his music, because it is his music, his creation, his timbre, it is his sound. The sound of El Gran Combo is by Rafael Ithier.
And it is a pride to belong to EGC. For me it is a lot of learning, and the ex.