

Eddie Palmieri, the legendary Puerto Rican pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader, passed away on August 6, 2025, at the age of 88, leaving behind a transformative legacy in Latin jazz and salsa. Ten-time Grammy Award winner and the first-ever recipient of a Grammy for Latin music, Palmieri revolutionized the genre with his bold, percussive style and deep Afro-Caribbean roots, founding the groundbreaking band La Perfecta and mentoring generations of musicians over a remarkable seven-decade career. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Iraida, whom he lovingly called “Mi Luz Mayor,” and is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a global community of friends and collaborators who felt his passion and generosity.
In 2009, Eddie’s seminal recording Azúcar pa' ti, was added to the United States National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural and historical significance. A 2013 NEA Jazz Master, Eddie was most recently inducted into the Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame in 2024, in addition to being featured proudly in Spike Lee’s upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest. Palmieri’s influence transcended music—his rhythm changed the world, and his spirit will live on in every beat he inspired.
A fan visitation will take place at Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Ave., in NYC on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 from 2-7 PM.
The service on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 is private, however, the family invites the public to join a live online broadcast at 11 AM at the following link: https://memorialstream.online/eddie-palmieri
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eddie's name to the following organizations:
WBGO: https://wbgo-web.memsys.com/donate/
El Museo del Barrio: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=fab46b7c-7d09-4b98-858b-380fc5de1ade&envid=p-1aOEvZ64jEqgTS2G5SQ5KQ&zone=usa
Jazz Foundation of America: https://jazzfoundation.org/musicians-emergency-fund/
Women's Housing Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco): https://whedco.org/donate/
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