Emiliano Salvador (1951–1992) was a pioneering Cuban jazz pianist, composer, and arranger whose work helped define the sound of modern Afro‑Cuban jazz. Blending the rhythmic vitality of Cuban son with the harmonic sophistication of jazz, Salvador drew inspiration from masters like Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans while remaining deeply rooted in his island’s musical traditions. Revered for his virtuosity and innovation, he became one of Cuba’s most influential instrumentalists of the late 20th century, leaving a lasting legacy in Latin jazz and contemporary Cuban music.