Pianist, bandleader, and musical director of Latin music, including Latin-Jazz, Salsa, and Charanga. Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, and known as The Giant of the Keyboards or, in Spanish: El Gigante Del Teclado, Charlie was one of the fundamental players in the evolution of Latin Jazz and Salsa. Big brother of Eddie Palmieri. (November 21, 1927-September 12, 1988)