Eddie Palmieri (1936–2025) was a pioneering American pianist, composer, and bandleader who significantly influenced Latin jazz and salsa music. Born in New York's Spanish Harlem, he began his musical journey with the piano and timbales, eventually forming the innovative band La Perfecta in 1961, which introduced trombones into Latin music arrangements. Palmieri's groundbreaking albums, such as *The Sun of Latin Music* (1974)—the first Latin album to win a Grammy—and *Harlem River Drive* (1971), showcased his fusion of Latin, funk, soul, and jazz. Throughout his career, he earned eight Grammy Awards and was celebrated for his contributions to music and culture. ([britannica.com](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eddie-Palmieri?utm_source=openai))