• Eddie Palmieri, pioneering Latin jazz musician, died at 88 after an extended illness.
• Born in Spanish Harlem, he was a key figure in the Latin music scene, known for his innovative sound.
• He won eight Grammy Awards and was recognized for his contributions to Afro-Caribbean music.
• Palmieri's band, La Perfecta, revolutionized salsa by introducing trombones instead of trumpets.
• His influence continues to resonate through Latin music, inspiring generations of musicians.

Eddie Palmieri, the acclaimed pianist and bandleader known for reshaping Latin jazz and salsa, has died at the age of 88. His passing occurred on Wednesday in Hackensack, New Jersey, following an extended illness, as confirmed by his youngest daughter, Gabriela Palmieri, and announced by his record label, Fania Records, which referred to him as "one of the most innovative and unique artists in music history" according to HuffPost, NPR, and Reuters.

Born on December 15, 1936, in Spanish Harlem to Puerto Rican parents, Palmieri began his musical journey at a young age, originally playing timbales in his uncle's orchestra before dedicating himself to the piano. He made his debut at Carnegie Hall at just 11 years old and soon formed his own band, La Perfecta, in 1961, which was groundbreaking in its inclusion of trombones instead of trumpets, giving salsa a distinctive sound. This innovation is remembered as a pivotal moment in the genre's evolution, according to Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

Palmieri's music was characterized by his vibrant, percussive piano style that incorporated elements of jazz, funk, and soul, influencing countless artists in the Latin music landscape. His famous album "Azúcar Pa' Ti," released in 1965, became a dance-floor favorite and was later added to the U.S. National Recording Registry for its cultural significance. Throughout his career, he won a total of eight Grammy Awards, with notable albums like "The Sun of Latin Music" contributing to his legacy, as detailed in HuffPost, NPR, and Los Angeles Times.

A notable figure in New York's Latin music scene, Palmieri often used his platform to advocate for the recognition of Latin jazz. He urged the Grammys to establish a category for Latin jazz recordings, which was eventually introduced in 1995. His impact extended beyond his compositions; he was also a mentor to emerging artists and an educator on the folkloric roots of Latin music, according to Los Angeles Times and Reuters.