Co-Founder of Renowned Puerto Rico Salsa Band Dies One of the founding members of the renowned salsa band El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico has died. A daughter of Eddie Perez said he died Friday at a Puerto Rico hospital from a blood infection following a foot amputation. Mariel Perez said her father made his debut at age 13 and had played the saxophone for more than 60 years. She did not provide his age, and calls to the band's office went unanswered. Perez was nicknamed "The Bullet" and was known for always shaking his left shoulder before playing. He was one of the only two remaining original members of the band, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. El Gran Combo has released more than 40 albums and won a Grammy in 2003 for Best Tropical Album.