Salsa Music Pioneer Eddie Palmieri Dies at 88
Pianist Eddie Palmieri poses for a portrait in New York, Aug. 15, 2011. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
A legend in salsa music and Latin jazz has passed away. Eddie Palmieri has died at the age of 88. According to Fania Records, he passed away last night on Aug. 6.
Palmieri was a Nuyorican pianist and avant-garde musician. He’s known for songs like “Vámonos Pa’l Monte,” “Café,” “Azúcar,” and “La Malanga,” to name a few. His daughter Gabriela told the New York Times that Palmieri died following an “extended illness.” Fania Records announced his death in a heartfelt message.
“Today, Fania Records mourns the loss of the legendary Eddie Palmieri, one of the most innovative and unique artists in music history,” the label shared in a statement. “An award-winning pianist, composer, arranger, orchestra director, and producer, Palmieri began his career in New York City in the 1950s when he was only a teenager. He would go on to form bands like La Perfecta, La Perfecta II, and Harlem River Drive. Eddie also performed in concerts and recorded with the Tico All-Stars and the internationally acclaimed Fania All-Stars. He will be greatly missed.”
In addition to being a pianist, Palmieri was also a band leader, orchestra director, and producer. During his lifetime, he worked on over 35 albums for himself and other artists, which showed off his experimental spirit as a musician. In 1976, Palmieri made history with the first Latine album to win a Grammy Award. That year, his LP Sun of Latin Music won in the category for Best Latin Recording. Throughout his career, Palmieri would win seven more Grammys.
Many artists reflected on the impact of Palmieri following his passing. Over on X, La India wrote, “Eddie leaves an indelible mark, defined by his virtuosity, his creative audacity, and his love for our Afro-Latin roots. His passing is an irreparable loss for world music.” Victor Manuelle added, “We have lost one of the strongest pillars of our musical genre, ‘El Son de la Salsa.’ Many generations have been marked by your music.”