Eddie Palmieri, the groundbreaking pianist and composer who was one of the most innovative artists in rumba and Latin jazz, has died at the age of 88. According to his daughter Gabriela, he passed away on Wednesday evening at his home in New Jersey due to an extended illness.
A trailblazer in the music industry, Palmieri was the first Latino to win a Grammy Award, going on to secure seven more over the course of his nearly 40-year career. Born in New York’s Spanish Harlem in 1936, he began studying piano at an early age and later played timbales before returning to playing piano.
Palmieri’s unique sound, which blended elements of salsa, funk, soul, and jazz, earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. He released numerous albums throughout his career, including the Grammy-winning “The Sun of Latin Music” in 1975 and “Masterpiece,” a collaboration with Tito Puente in 2000.
As a composer, arranger, producer, and orchestra director, Palmieri worked with renowned musicians such as Nicky Marrero, Israel “Cachao” López, and Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros. He also hosted the popular radio program “Caliente,” which was broadcast on over 160 radio stations nationwide.
Palmieri’s impact on Latin jazz extends beyond his own music, with his work helping to bring salsa and Latin jazz to audiences around the world. He is remembered as a musical ambassador who brought joy and cultural exchange to communities across the globe.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/07/entertainment/eddie-palmieri-latin-jazz-musician-death-hnk