Musician Eddie Palmieri passed away at 88.

Eddie Palmieri , who revolutionized Latin music and contributed greatly to the explosion of salsa in New York, died this Wednesday at the age of 88 in the United States, the artist's entourage reported on his social media.

"The legendary pianist, composer, bandleader, and one of the most influential figures in the history of Latin music passed away at his home in New Jersey on August 6," his Instagram account posted, along with a photo of the artist.

Fania Records, the iconic salsa label, mourned the death of the star, calling him "one of the most innovative and unique artists in the history of music."

"We will miss him very much," he added.

The son of Puerto Rican parents, Palmieri was born in New York City's Harlem neighborhood. The brother of pianist Charlie Palmieri, he entered the scene at a very young age.

He took piano lessons in his teens at Carnegie Hall, which he combined with learning the timpani.

The Perfect

He began playing professionally in bands before he was of age, sampling the New York music scene, including a two-year stint alongside Puerto Rican musician Tito Rodriguez .

In 1961, he founded the band "La Perfecta," which redefined salsa by using trombones instead of trumpets. Four years later, his "Azúcar Pa' Ti" would become a dance floor hit that decades later would also earn a place in the US Library of Congress collection.

Palmieri is recognized for revolutionizing the sound of Latin jazz and salsa, and for his long career that spanned more than seven decades.

In 1975, he became the first Latin artist to win a Grammy for his album " The Sun of Latin Music ," which won the then-new Best Latin Recording category.

In his vast career, the musician has won eight Grammys, the last of which was for " Simpatico " in 2006 in the Latin jazz genre, among other honors.

Palmieri was one of the first salsa singers to embrace a political tone in his compositions.

In 1969, he released the album "Justicia," whose lyrics address inequality, social justice, and discrimination, and featured the vocals of Ismael Quintana and Justo Betancourt.

Shortly after, in 1972, he performed at Sing Sing, a prison in New York, before a predominantly Latino and Black audience, according to the Washington Post.

"For all humanity!" Palmieri shouted through a loudspeaker in the prison courtyard, the newspaper reported. He also said there should be "no walls," "no fears," and "only one thing in life: freedom in the years to come."

"He was a mentor, teacher, and tireless advocate for Latin music and culture. He inspired generations of musicians and moved countless listeners with his artistry, conviction, and unmistakable sound," his account noted.

He is survived by five children and four grandchildren. His wife, Iraida Palmieri, passed away in 2014.