Eddie Palmieri is best known for playing the piano. His percussive, jazz-influenced keyboard style became one of the defining sounds of New York salsa and Latin jazz.
Born in New York City in 1936 to Puerto Rican parents, Palmieri began piano lessons young and performed at Carnegie Hall at age 11. He also played in Tito Rodríguez’s orchestra before forming his own influential groups.
In 1961, he founded La Perfecta with singer Ismael Quintana. The band became famous for its unusual “trombanga” sound, using trombones and flute instead of the more typical charanga violins. Palmieri’s piano anchored those forceful arrangements.
A common mix-up is confusing Palmieri with his older brother Charlie Palmieri, another celebrated pianist and bandleader. Eddie also played electric Fender Rhodes on 1971’s “Vámonos Pa’l Monte,” but piano remained his signature instrument.