Born into a musical family in East Harlem, New York, Latin jazz pianist par excellence Eddie Palmieri grew up in a melting pot of Latin music styles. He has recorded extensively since his first groups became active in the 1960s; jazz influences began to appear in his work in the mid-'60s. He has explored a compelling mix of Latin percussion, electronics, and jazz in the '70s, making him a seminal figure in this distinctive soul fusion.