The renowned Puerto Rican pianist and salsa composer Eddie Palmieri has passed away at the age of 88.
Born on December 15, 1936, in New York to Puerto Rican parents, he was recognized as one of the most innovative artists in the history of Hispanic music, and one of the pioneers of salsa. Palmieri formed his first band in 1961, the Conjunto La Perfecta, alongside trombonist Barry Rogers and singer Ismael Quintana.
His discography includes over 35 albums, many of which are considered classics of the genre.
Palmieri was the first Latin artist to win a Grammy Award for a production in Spanish, with The Sun of Latin Music in 1976.
Throughout his career, he received nine Grammys, as well as accolades such as the NEA Jazz Master and the Lifetime Achievement Latin Grammy Award.
Several of his fellow musicians, including Bobby Cruz and La India, mourned his passing in social media posts, highlighting his legacy in Latin music.