Charlie and his brother Eddie Palmieri formed a dynasty that left an invaluable impression on contemporary music.
Born in Manhattan to Puerto Rican parents and influenced by their roots, the brothers knew how to capture the most representative and traditional elements of their heritage in their music.
Charlie –nicknamed the “Gigante de las blancas y las negras” (“The King of the Ivories”) because of his dexterity on the piano– also gained fame as an arranger and orchestra director, having directed such consecrated figures as Noro Morales, Xavier Cugat, and Maestro Tito Puente, among others.
He experimented with several musical styles, but preferred jazz, salsa, and anything tropical: the pachanga, son, montuno, mambo, bolero, and guajira. His versatility enriched and enlivened the popular music scene.
Recognized as a pioneer of salsa music, he left the legacy of his discography, which contains more than 16 albums that were validated by resounding hits and countless awards.
His brilliant career sadly ended with his death on September 12, 1988. He was 72.
