Palmieri, who was viewed as a pioneer of New York City's Latin jazz scene, passed away after "an extended illness."

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.