Eddie Palmieri performs in Germany, 2013 (Photo: Jens Vajen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Eddie Palmieri, the pioneering rumba and Latin jazz musician, has died at 88. His daughter Gabriela said he died Wednesday in New Jersey after a long illness. Palmieri was the first Latino to win a Grammy and earned seven more over his career. He released nearly 40 albums and continued performing into his 80s. Known for his innovative style, he formed the band La Perfecta in 1961, introducing a unique trombone section. His work fused salsa, funk, soul and jazz, leaving a lasting impact on Latin music worldwide. Palmieri released the album Masterpiece in 2000, which teamed him with the legendary Tito Puente. It was a hit with critics and won two Grammy Awards.
