R.I.P. - Eddie Palmieri (†88, Latin musician), August 6, 2025

Eddie Palmieri, a pianist, composer and bandleader whose contributions to Afro-Caribbean music helped usher in the golden age of salsa in New York City, and whose far-reaching career established him as one of the great musical masterminds of the 20th century — not to mention one of its fieriest performers — died on Wednesday at his home in Hackensack, N.J. He was 88.

His youngest daughter, Gabriela Palmieri, confirmed the death, which she said came after “an extended illness.”

From the moment he founded his first steady band, the eight-piece La Perfecta, in 1961, Mr. Palmieri drove many of the stylistic shifts and creative leaps in Latin music. That group brought new levels of economy and jazz influence to a mambo scene that was just beginning to lose steam after its postwar boom, and it set the standard for what would become known as salsa. From there, he never stopped innovating.

 

Just finding out about this today... what a blow So many memories growing up in PR listening to Eddie Palmieri. I was lucky enough to see him play at a local jazz festival in Tampa in the early 90s, outstanding musician.

Playing this one loud today. RIP Eddie and thank you for the music

 

Yup, a great loss. RIP.

 

Rest In Peace

 

Magic touch.

 

Eddie Palmieri - Full Concert | Live at Newport Jazz Festival (2003)

 

Sad news. Great musician, amazing pianist. Rest in peace maestro.