Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Lists

Eddie Palmieri: 10 Essential Songs

The prolific bandleader and pianist leaves behind a sprawling catalog that spans Latin jazz, boogaloo, and more

Eddie Palmieri picked up the piano when he was just about eight years old, and he didn’t stop playing until the end. Influenced by his older brother Charlie Palmieri, Eddie, who died on Wednesday at age 88, would go on to become one of Latin music’s most inventive and respected innovators. He wasn’t just a prolific player; he was also a free-minded trailblazer with the skills to back up tons of imagination.

Throughout his lengthy career, the musician would forge new paths in Latin music, experimenting freely with Latin jazz, salsa, and boogaloo, and adding in dashes of everything from psychedelic rock to folk music. He’d go on to win eight Grammys, including the first Best Latin Recording Grammy for 1974’s The Sun of Latin Music.

Many of his songs remain beloved standards that have influenced generations of salsa musicians and other artists. Here are 10 songs that shaped his career and represent the significant moments in his repertoire over the decades.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like