Willie Sotelo, musical director of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, died at the age of 61

Teacher Willie Sotelomusical director of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, died this Friday due to health complications at the age of 61, the orchestra reported through a brief statement.

“His wife Jannette Navarro, his daughter Wilmalie Sotelo, other relatives, maestro Rafael Ithier and colleagues from the orchestra ask for space to cope with such a difficult process and appreciate all the signs of affection and prayers towards them”indicates the ad.

Sotelo began in the artistic environment in his native Mayagüez, where at the age of 14 he began to play the organ and at 19 he founded “Willie Sotelo’s Music Center”, also in the city where he was born.

The artist debuted in El Gran Combo in 2006 on a tour of Canada and Europe.

In addition, he recorded productions of the orchestra such as “Arroz con habichuela”, which gave the group a Grammy Award in 2007 in the category of best salsa album.

The musician was also linked to other orchestras such as La Soluciones and was musical director of Frankie Ruiz, Roberto Roena and the Apollo Sound.