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.

Eddie Palmieri, the renowned pianist and Latin music pioneer who founded groups like La Perfecta and Harlem River Drive, has died at 88.

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