Eddie Palmieri, Grammy-Winning Latin Music Trailblazer, Dead at 88

Eddie Palmieri, a legendary pianist, composer and Latin music trailblazer, has died. He was 88.

According to a post on his official Instagram page, Eddie died at his New Jersey residence on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The New York Times was the first to report the news of his death.

The late musician’s youngest daughter, Gabriela Palmieri, confirmed to the publication that he died after “an extended illness.”

“Eddie Palmieri’s legacy goes far beyond accolades,” read the post shared on Instagram Aug. 6. He was a mentor, a teacher, and a tireless advocate for Latin music and culture. He inspired generations of musicians and moved countless listeners with his artistry, conviction, and unmistakable sound.”

The post continued: “Eddie will live on eternally in our hearts for all times sake.”

A rep for Eddie has not yet responded for PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Born in the Spanish Harlem neighborhood of New York to Puerto Rican parents, Eddie grew up immersed in the jazz world. By the age of 11, he began studying piano and performed at Carnegie Hall. Three years later, he formed his first band at the age of 14. Eddie’s older brother, the late Charlie Palmieri who died in 1988, was also a pioneering Latin pianist.

During the 1950s, Eddie was a pianist with the Eddie Forrester Orchestra, before he later Johnny Seguí and Tito Rodríguez’s bands before forming his own — La Perfecta, alongside trombonist Barry Rogers and singer Ismael Quintana — in 1961.

Over the years, he was revered as a bold innovator in Latin jazz and salsa, with his percussive piano style and genre-defying songs. Eddie produced many albums on the Alegre and Tico Records labels, including the 1971 classic Vámonos pa’l monte, which also featured his brother Charlie as guest organist.

In 1974, Eddie recorded The Sun of Latin Music with Lalo Rodríguez, which became the first Latin production to win a Grammy a year later.

He took home two more Grammy Awards for his 1984 album Palo pa’ rumba and 1985’s Solito. Eddie also took home two Grammy Awards after releasing his 2000 album Masterpiece, where he teamed up with Tito Puente, who died that year.

In total, he was the recipient of 10 Grammy Awards during his career, as well as an NEA Jazz Masters Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy.

Throughout his career, he worked with acclaimed musicians like Nicky Marrero, Israel “Cachao” López, Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros, Lewis Khan, and Bobby Valentín.

Per The Times, Eddie is survived by Gabriela and three other daughters, Renee, Eydie and Ileana; a son, Edward Palmieri II; and four grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Iraida (González) Palmieri, who died in 2014.