Eddie Palmieri, a groundbreaking musician in Latin jazz and salsa, has passed away at the age of 88. His daughter, Gabriela Palmieri, confirmed that he died at his home in New Jersey on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. Fania Records announced his death.

Born on December 15, 1936, in Spanish Harlem, Palmieri was a key figure in the evolution of Latin music. He was the first Latino artist to win a Grammy Award, receiving the honor in 1975 for his album "The Sun of Latin Music." Over his career, he earned a total of eight Grammy Awards, reflecting his significant contributions to the genre.

Palmieri began playing piano at a young age, inspired by his older brother, Charlie Palmieri. He briefly switched to timbales but returned to the piano, humorously describing himself as "a frustrated percussionist" who expressed that energy through his piano playing.

In the 1950s, he performed with various tropical bands, including the Eddie Forrester Orchestra and Tito Rodríguez's group. In 1961, he formed his own band, La Perfecta, which was notable for its use of trombones instead of trumpets. This innovative choice created a distinctive sound that helped shape the salsa genre.

Throughout his career, Palmieri was known for his dynamic performances and genre-blending compositions. He released nearly 40 albums, with notable works including "Vámonos pa’l monte" and "Harlem River Drive," which fused elements of salsa, funk, soul, and jazz.

Palmieri's influence extended beyond music. He received the Chubb Fellowship Award from Yale University in 2002 for his efforts in community building through music. The Smithsonian Institution recorded two of his concerts in 1988 for its National Museum of American History.

In addition to his musical achievements, Palmieri hosted the NPR program "Caliente" starting in 2005, reaching audiences across the United States. He continued to perform and create music well into his 80s, even livestreaming concerts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the loss of many fellow musicians, including his brother Charlie in 1988, Palmieri remained active in the music scene. In a 2011 interview, he expressed his ongoing desire to improve his craft, stating, "Learning to play the piano well... Being a piano player is one thing. Being a pianist is another."

Eddie Palmieri's legacy as a pioneer of Latin jazz and salsa will continue to resonate in the music world.