Charlie Palmieri; Popular Salsa Pianist

Charlie Palmieri, in his early 60s, a popular salsa pianist who as a band leader helped create new forms of Latin jazz. Born in Puerto Rico and reared in the Bronx, Palmieri played with Latin dance orchestras and hotel bands, including those led by Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaria. In the 1950s he led various groups, and in 1959 introduced the band Charanga Duboney, a group that was extremely popular and influential in New York. In 1961, he became musical director of the Allegre All-Stars, who merged mambos with jazz solos. Besides performing with his own groups and as a guest with other jazz musicians, he played in all-star “piano summits” with his brother, pianist Eddie Palmieri. Several years ago, he suffered a heart attack and was told he would not regain the use of his hands. But he returned to performing and recording. His most recent album was “A Giant Step.” In New York on Monday of an apparent heart attack.