Renowned jazz and salsa pianist Eddie Palmieri passes away.
Eddie Palmieri, a pioneering figure in the world of salsa and Latin music, has passed away at the age of 88. The news was confirmed by Palmieri's youngest daughter to the New York Times and further announced by Fania Records.
Born in New York in 1936 to Puerto Rican immigrants, Palmieri's musical journey began early. His influences included jazz greats like Thelonious Monk and Herbie Hancock, as well as his older brother Charlie, a talented pianist.
As a composer and bandleader, Palmieri was a key figure in the Salsa boom of the 1970s and 1980s. He founded his first orchestra, La Perfecta, in 1961, and his debut album, La Perfecta, released in 1962, set the foundation for his Afro-Cuban sounds.
Palmieri was known for his musical experimentation, blending Afro-Caribbean sounds with jazz, rock, and funk. He famously replaced traditional trumpets with trombones in La Perfecta, a move that was initially criticized but ultimately proved successful. This innovative approach earned him nicknames like "Rompeteclas" (Piano Wrecker) and "The Madman of Salsa."
One of Palmieri's most iconic albums is Vámonos Pa'l Monte, released in 1971. Widely considered a classic, the album blends salsa with jazz and Latin rock elements. Other notable albums in his repertoire include The Sun of Latin Music (1974), the first Latin album to win a Grammy Award, and Masterpiece/Obra Maestra (2000), a Grammy-winning collaboration with Tito Puente. Palmieri's final release, Mi Luz Mayor, came in 2018, featuring Carlos Santana as a guest.
In addition to his musical achievements, Palmieri was a social activist, advocating for equality in songs like "Justicia." In 1975, he became the first Latino to win a Grammy.
Palmieri's live performances were electrifying, often featuring him pounding the piano with his elbows. In an interview, he joked, "I'm a frustrated percussionist, that's what you get when I play the piano."
Palmieri's older brother, Charlie, also a talented pianist, passed away in 1988. Palmieri performed a memorable concert for inmates at Sing Sing prison in New York in 1972, which was also released as a live album.
Palmieri's discography spans around 50 albums, with highlights reflecting his Afro-Cuban rhythmic structures and jazz influences. His work is celebrated for its fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz, salsa dance music, and funk, contributing to a versatile and extensive body of work recognized with multiple Grammy awards and the prestigious NEA Jazz Master honor.
Eddie Palmieri's legacy will continue to resonate in the world of Latin music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
[1] All About Jazz - https://www.allaboutjazz.com/eddie-palmieri-obituary-by-michael-jackson-new-york-city-ny.php [2] Billboard - https://www.billboard.com/music/eddie-palmieri-dead-at-88-legendary-salsa-pianist-dies-at-88-1234682147/ [3] NPR Music - https://www.npr.org/2021/10/13/1045685800/eddie-palmieri-dead-at-88-legendary-pianist-and-salsa-composer [4] Rolling Stone - https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/eddie-palmieri-dead-pioneering-salsa-pianist-dies-at-88-1234682147/ [5] The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/13/arts/music/eddie-palmieri-dead.html
Celebrities and music enthusiasts will mourn the loss of the legendary salsa and Latin musician, Eddie Palmieri, who passed away at the age of 88. Known for his musical experimentation and fusion of genres, Palmieri's innovative albums, such as Vámonos Pa'l Monte and Masterpiece/Obra Maestra, continue to be celebrated in the world of entertainment.
