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Eddie Palmieri, the Grammy-winning bandleader and pianist whose thunderous, percussive playing helped revolutionize Latin jazz and salsa, died Aug. 6 at his home in Hackensack. He was 88.
Fania Records, the iconic label that released many of Palmieri’s recordings, confirmed his death in a statement.
“Today, Fania Records mourns the loss of the legendary Eddie Palmieri, one of the most innovative and unique artists in music history,” the label said.
Eddie Palmieri performs on Aug. 2, 2009, at the Theatre de la Mer in Sete, Southeastern France.
Palmieri’s career spanned more than six decades, marked by his groundbreaking fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and jazz harmonies. His orchestra La Perfecta, formed in the early 1960s, set a new standard for Latin music with hits like “Bilongo,” “La Malanga” and “Café,” showcasing his explosive piano style — a blend of precision, power and improvisational grit.
Born in Spanish Harlem to Puerto Rican parents, Palmieri began his musical journey on timbales and drums in his uncle’s band before moving to the piano. He later joined Tito Rodriguez’s orchestra during the golden era of mambo and Latin big bands in New York.
Palmieri’s collaborations with legendary singers and musicians — including Ismael Quintana, Lalo Rodríguez and vibraphonist Cal Tjader — helped shape the sound of modern salsa and Latin jazz. His 1974 release “The Sun of Latin Music” earned him the first of more than half a dozen Grammy Awards.
Beyond music, Palmieri was a vocal advocate for social justice. His 1971 album “Harlem River Drive” tackled systemic racism and urban inequality, while songs like “Puerto Rico” celebrated his cultural roots.
In 2009, his classic track “Azúcar Pa’ Ti” was inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. Four years later, the National Endowment for the Arts named him a Jazz Master, the country’s highest jazz honor.
Palmieri was a regular at some North Jersey music events including the Montclair Jazz Festival.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Eddie Palmieri of Hackensack NJ dies at age 88
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