The award-winning pianist, bandleader and composer was influential in the New York salsa scene and won the first Grammy in a Latin category

Grammy-winning Latin music trailblazer Eddie Palmieri died on Wednesday, Aug. 6 after "an extended illness," his daughter Gabriela Palmieri confirmed to 'The New York Times' the same day. He was 88.

Eddie Palmieri, the renowned pianist and Latin music pioneer who founded groups like La Perfecta and Harlem River Drive, has died at 88.