Eddie Palmieri (1936 -2025)

Born and raised in El Barrio, Eddie Palmieri was —among many other things— an irreplaceable translating machine; a master in connecting different languages, beats, and vibes. He grew up on 112th Street, a few blocks from El Museo del Barrio, to become one of the most groundbreaking musicians and performers of the late 20th century, translating his Puerto Ricaness, NuYorkness, and barrio-ness into the global language of music. No style seemed to be beyond his appetite; no genre was too low or too high for Palmieri; and his creative will and incredible talent for improvisation bear witness to the El Barrio hustle that forged him.

Palmieri yelled at the piano, Palmieri caressed the piano. Palmieri did Bach-like balanced counter pointing, Palmieri did Coltrane-like single-minded sweeps. Palmieri stayed inside the tonic, Palmieri departed from the tonic. He played with his fingers, he played with his elbows. He was “the madman of Salsa”.

Eddie Palmieri performed or collaborated with the greatest -like Vicentico Valdés, Joe Quijano, Tito Rodríguez, Tito Puente, Tito Matos, Carl Tjader, La India, Manny Oquendo, Andy González, Lila Downs, and his beloved big brother Charlie. He was influenced and inspired by trailblazers, and he served himself as a mentor to many.

When Charlie, also a pianist and band-leader, died in 1988 Eddie led the efforts to rename the corner of 112th Street and Park Avenue as “Charlie Palmieri Way”, for he keenly understood where their music and swing came from. Similarly, we recognize the power of Eddie Palmieri, one of the most precious gifts El Barrio has ever given the rest of the world.

Monxo López, PhD.
Curator of Community Histories, Museum of the City of New York
Community Advisor, El Museo del Barrio