Eddie Palmieri, a champion of Latin jazz, dies at 88

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88-year-old Eddie Palmieri, the acclaimed Nuyorican pianist, conductor, and songwriter whose contributions significantly shaped and revitalized Afro-Caribbean music in America and redefined the New York salsa scene, passed away on Wednesday.

As reported on his Instagram and later confirmed by The New York Times through his daughter, Gabriela Palmieri, Palmieri sadly passed away at his residence in Hackensack, N.J., following a prolonged illness.

Many well-known figures expressed their condolences, among them were Spike Lee, Ramon Rodriguez, and officials from Fania Records – an influential New York salsa record label – who also issued a statement of sympathy.

On Wednesday, we at Fania Records express our sorrow over the passing of Eddie Palmieri, a legendary musician known for his groundbreaking and distinctive style,” the statement reads. Throughout his career, Palmieri worked with various record labels including Tico, Alegre, Concord Picante, RMM, and Coco Records, although he also briefly produced music with Fania Records.

Many expressed their grief online, among them David Sanchez, a Grammy-winning saxophonist from Puerto Rico. On social media, he posted a series of photos featuring himself and Palmieri. In his tribute, Sanchez recalled a past incident when his soprano saxophone was stolen; Palmieri assisted him in purchasing a replacement instrument. Sanchez’s Instagram caption read, “Your existence and music will continue to resonate within the hearts of countless people.

As a music enthusiast, I can’t help but echo the sentiments of my contemporary, the esteemed Cuban pianist and bandleader Chuchito Valdes, in the wake of this profound loss: “A grievous day for music. One of the greatest of all time has departed, an innovator. The man who redefined salsa and Latin jazz. My cherished friend.

On December 15, 1936, he was born in East Harlem to Puerto Rican parents hailing from Ponce. He was the younger sibling of Charlie Palmieri, the renowned keyboard maestro who passed away and was famously known as “The Giant of the Keyboards.

After relocating to the South Bronx, the family established a small eatery named “Mambo.” This moniker was suggested by Eddie, their young member who found himself captivated by the lively Cuban dance hall beats. Frequently, Eddie would manage the jukebox playing delightful Latin jazz tracks from Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, and Machito.

Palmieri’s older brother, being nine years senior, significantly impacted and motivated him. He introduced Palmieri to renowned big-band artists of the 1940s, such as Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and Woody Herman. Unfortunately, these artists seemed to disappear by the end of World War II. Despite a strong desire to play timbales like Tito Puente, Palmieri ultimately chose to pursue piano lessons under Margaret Bonds, who was one of the most prominent African American concert pianists during that era.

Initially, Chino Palmieri played timbales in his uncle’s band, Chino y sus Almas Tropicales. However, it was as a pianist that he gained widespread recognition. He performed with numerous ensembles, such as the Eddie Forrester Orchestra, Johnny Segui and His Orchestra, before ultimately joining Tito Rodriguez and His Orchestra. This band held a prominent position at the Palladium Ballroom from 1958 to 1960.

In a 2013 interview with Jo Reed, Palmieri stated that the audience could have included celebrities like Marlon Brando and Kim Novak, as well as other Hollywood stars since it was during the peak of the mambo. On Saturdays, the crowd was predominantly blue-collar and mostly Puerto Rican. Conversely, Sundays were more diverse, featuring a mix of African American attendees. The dancers represented various nationalities, regardless of their ethnicity or skin color; they all came to dance.

1961 saw Palmieri establish his own band, La Perfecta, an amusingly named group given its less-than-perfect structure. It was formed as an eight-piece Cuban ensemble that abandoned the typical jazzy saxophone sound. The lineup included timbales, congas, bongos, bass, piano, vocals, but with a unique twist: two trombones played by Barry Rogers and Jose Rodriguez, replacing the costly four-piece trumpet set. Additionally, Palmieri incorporated a whistling flute, played by George Castro, to give it a charanga feel, in place of the traditional violin.

According to Palmieri, La Perfecta revolutionized the history of our genre, at least in New York. Its impact even spread globally, as afterward, most second-hand music stores stopped selling trombones.

In a significant move, his musical group played a crucial role in popularizing the classic salsa genre with their debut album titled “Eddie Palmieri and His Conjunto ‘La Perfecta.’ This earned him the moniker “The Madman of Salsa.” Yet, he didn’t particularly appreciate the term ’emerging,’ as it appeared to group various styles such as mambo, charanga, rumba, guaracha, and danzón under a single label.

In a 2012 interview, Palmieri stated, “Afro-Cuban music originates from there.” He further explained that Puerto Rican influence played a significant role in preserving the rhythmic structures and Cuban genre, thus creating what is known as Afro-Caribbean music.

In 1965, La Perfecta unveiled its most renowned album, “Sugar for You,” titled “Azúcar Pa’ Ti.” This record featured the song “Azúcar,” a lengthy eight-minute piece that was eventually inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2009.

As a passionate connoisseur of music, let me share my insights on the illustrious career of the legendary artist Palmieri. In 1976, he made history by claiming the first-ever Grammy in the newly minted category for Best Latin Recording, an accolade bestowed upon him for his groundbreaking album “Sun of Latin Music.” To date, this maestro has accumulated a staggering eight Grammy awards.

Fast forward to 2013, and Palmieri’s contributions to the world of music were recognized by no less than the National Endowment for the Arts, who distinguished him as a Jazz Master. And in a fitting tribute to his lifetime of achievements, the Latin Grammys honored him with their prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Truly, Palmieri’s impact on the music landscape remains unparalleled and undeniable.

As a passionate movie-goer and music enthusiast, I can’t help but sing the praises of Eddie Palmieri – a true legend whose influence transcends his own remarkable achievements. Beyond his stellar career, he stood as a guiding light, a wise sage, and a tireless champion for Latin music and culture.

His dedication to the cause was unwavering; he didn’t just play the game, he fought to change it. Case in point: his relentless crusade to secure recognition for Latin jazz albums at the Grammys. First in 1995, and then again in 2012, when the category was unfortunately discontinued, Eddie took up the mantle and made his voice heard, advocating for its reinstatement.

A true testament to his enduring passion and unwavering commitment to the art form he loved so dearly.

Before Palmieri passed away, his wife of 58 years, Iraida Palmieri (who he fondly called “My Major Light”), had already died in 2014. He leaves behind his four daughters named Renee, Eydie, Ileana, and Gabriela; his son, Edward Palmieri II; as well as four grandchildren.

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2025-08-08 01:31