Eddie Perez Dies: El Gran Combo Co-Founder Dead At 77; How Did The Puerto Rican Salsa Music Legend Die? [VIDEO AND PLAYLIST]

The lead founder of the beloved El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Eddie Perez, has died, his family confirmed. Perez died in San Juan, P.R. Friday following a blood infection caused by his recent foot amputation, his daughter Mariel Perez told reporters. He was believed to be 77.

Perez sang backup vocals and played the alto saxophone for the group. He was given the nickname La Bala, which translates to "the bullet." El Gran Combo has been around for a little more than 50 years. Perez and another surviving member -- the only two that remained -- celebrated the group's 50th birthday last year. His Gran Combo counterpart who is still living is Rafael Ithier who is the mastermind behind the band, which formed in 1962. Both had worked with Rafael Cortijo in other music projects prior to the formation of El Gran Combo.

The band won Latin Grammys in 2003 and 2007 for best salsa album. El Gran Combo is hailed as one of Puerto Rico's most successful musical acts. It received wide praise for its 2002 tour of the U.S., with music critics saying the band never wavered from its original glory. No written statement has been released regarding Perez's death.