Eddie Palmieri, one of the pioneering musicians of jazz and the first Latino to win a Grammy Award, passed away on Wednesday, his family announced through the artist’s official Instagram account. According to reports, he died after a long illness. But what exactly happened? Here’s everything we know about his passing.
What did Eddie Palmieri die of?
According to Fania Records, the legendary musician died on Wednesday night. His family stated that Palmieri passed away at his home in New Jersey. It had been previously reported that the artist had been battling a long-term illness; however, the specific nature of his condition has not yet been disclosed. Some media outlets have suggested that the cause of death may have been a heart attack, but this has not been officially confirmed.
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How old was Eddie Palmieri?
At the time of his death, Eddie Palmieri was 88 years old.
What was Eddie Palmieri’s net worth?
Eddie Palmieri’s net worth is estimated at $5.66 million. His wealth was the result of decades of artistic work, particularly from live performances, album sales, and songwriting royalties.
Who was Eddie Palmieri?
Eddie Palmieri, a towering figure in Latin jazz, was born on December 15, 1936, in New York City, in the neighborhood known as Spanish Harlem. The son of Puerto Rican immigrants, he was raised surrounded by Caribbean rhythms and New York jazz—two major influences that he would later blend masterfully in his music. His father, Carlos, owned a candy store that became a gathering spot for local musicians, sparking Eddie’s early interest in music.
From a young age, he showed a natural talent for the piano, beginning formal lessons at the age of eight. His prodigious skill led to a performance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall when he was just eleven. Although he experimented with playing timbales during his teenage years, it was the example set by his older brother, Charlie Palmieri—a well-established jazz pianist—that ultimately led Eddie to fully dedicate himself to the piano.
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Palmieri received private musical instruction, including studies with renowned concert pianist Margaret Bonds. He never attended college, but his relentless dedication to mastering the piano made him a true innovator in the music world. A fan of jazz legends like Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell, he fused their harmonic complexity with Afro-Latin rhythms, forging a groundbreaking and personal musical style.
In the 1960s, he formed his first group, La Perfecta, which broke from traditional salsa arrangements by using trombones and flute instead of trumpets. This fresh sound helped redefine the genre and cemented his status as a pioneer. Beyond his musical technique, he was also known for infusing his work with social commentary, particularly in albums like Harlem River Drive, which tackled racial injustice and social inequality.
In his personal life, Eddie was married for nearly sixty years to Iraida González, with whom he had five children. His brother Charlie died in 1988, but his legacy remained deeply rooted in Eddie’s music. Despite his fame, Eddie stayed away from controversy, remaining focused on his art and message.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Eddie Palmieri earned 10 Grammy Awards and the admiration of generations of musicians. He passed away on August 6, 2025, in Hackensack, New Jersey, at the age of 88, leaving behind an enduring legacy as one of the true architects of Latin jazz.
