Virtuosic keyboardist and visionary bandleader Eddie Palmieri, who played a pivotal role in shaping the salsa genre, has passed away at the age of 88. Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents in 1936, Palmieri’s music career spanned over six decades, marked by his innovative fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms with jazz and rock.
Palmieri’s journey began with his legendary group La Perfecta, which released its debut in 1962 and explored salsa, Latin jazz, and boogaloo. He was a radical experimentalist who remained faithful to the roots of Afro-Caribbean dance formats, incorporating elements from classical music, psychedelia, and funk into his work.
Throughout his career, Palmieri collaborated with prominent artists such as Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, and Ismael Quintana. His 1965 album “Azúcar Pa’ Ti” is widely regarded as a milestone in tropical music, featuring the epic track “Azúcar,” which helped coalesce Black and Latino dance music.
In the 1970s, Palmieri continued to push boundaries with albums such as “The Sun of Latin Music” and “Lucumí, Macumba, Voodoo delved into the Afro-Caribbean avant-garde. His later work saw him exploring Latin jazz and collaborating with younger artists, including Puerto Rican diva La India.
Palmieri’s impact on salsa music cannot be overstated. He was known for his relentless positivity, infectious laughter, and eloquent speeches about unlocking the secrets of the Afro-Caribbean tinge. With a body of work that would take decades to decipher and absorb, Palmieri leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest salsa giants from the genre’s golden era.
Born in 1936, Eddie Palmieri was a true pioneer of Latin music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. His innovative spirit, creativity, and passion for music will be deeply missed by fans around the world.
Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/eddie-palmieri-pianist-salsa-experimentalist-dead-obituary-1235402558