Eddie Palmieri (1936–2025) was a pioneering American pianist, composer, and bandleader who profoundly influenced Latin jazz and salsa music. Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, he began his musical journey with the piano and timbales, eventually founding the groundbreaking band La Perfecta in 1961. Palmieri's innovative use of trombones in place of traditional trumpets created a distinctive sound that blended Afro-Caribbean rhythms with jazz harmonies. Over his seven-decade career, he released nearly 40 albums and earned ten Grammy Awards, including the first-ever awarded for a Latin recording in 1975 for "The Sun of Latin Music." Palmieri's dynamic style and commitment to musical innovation have left an indelible mark on the world of Latin music. ([britannica.com](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eddie-Palmieri?utm_source=openai))