Charlie Palmieri Showcase 1966-1984

Known as the giant of the keyboards and big brother to Eddie Palmieri, Charlie’s career spanned from the early 40s to his death from his second heart attack in 1988. The South Bronx native of Puerto Rican heritage began performing in his early teens and by the late 40s was playing with Tito Puente before moving on to other groups. He had a successful run during the pachanga craze of the early 60s with his orchestra called Charanga La Duboney featuring Johnny Pacheco on flute. After some label switches and Pacheco leaving, he regroup by replacing the violins and flute with trumpets and trombones as the pachanga era was coming to an end. He jumped into the boogaloo craze and landed on Alegre records where he stayed for long period. He lead the Alegre All-Stars which Al Santiago was inspired by the Cuban Panart label’s descarga sessions to bring members from his label to do the same. Without charts they produced a series of albums that were received well. Charlie would lead other all star albums and we include a tune from the Cesta All-Stars as well. Besides his playing he did arrangements for others and played with well known singers such as Ismael Rivers & Celia Cruz. He played organ on a few records with his brother during the 70s and also added the melodica on his own recordings. He did a few salsa records before moving to Puerto Rico in 1980 and on a trip to New York he suffered a massive heart attack that paralyzed his left side. It was doubted he would play again but he recovered and his last album A Giant Step of 84 showcased his jazz side. He continued teaching as he had done for years and playing. After returning to New York to be musical director for the Joe Cuba Sextet (a future showcase) he again suffered another heart attack which he died from. We play some sides and his known hits starting from 1966 to his last recordings. Enjoy the work of King Charles - El Gigante Del Teclado.

Mambo Show
Porque Me Enganas
Que Te Vas - Pues Vete
Either You Have It Or You Don’t
No Esta En Na’
Maracaibo Oriental
King Charles
Al Que Le Pique
Despierta Julian
La Hija De Lola
El Susto
Tiene Sabor
Las Negritas Del Carnaval
V.P. Blues w/ Eddie Palmieri
Fiesta A La King
El Pan Sobao
El Rinconcito (Descarga Con Tres) - Cesta All-Stars
Se Acabo Lo Que Se Daba - Alegre All-Stars

El Mix Es Cultura

“la timba no es como ayer”

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