Eddie Palmieri, the pioneering rumba and Latin jazz musician, has died at 88. His daughter Gabriela said he died Wednesday in New Jersey after a long illness.

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