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Alt.Latino

Flaco Jimenez and Eddie Palmieri: Why Their Music Mattered

Alt.Latino

NPR

Music

4.5701 Ratings

🗓️ 20 August 2025

⏱️ 31 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

On Alt.Latino we often discuss the way that traditions are recognized and expanded upon. Usually it’s when we’re talking about new artists.


But this week we are spending time honoring two legends: Tex Mex accordion player Flaco Jimenez and Latin jazz pianist/composer Eddie Palmieri each died within the last few weeks. They were foundational to their respective musical cultures, products of two distinct Latino cultural and musical traditions who also expanded the idea of tradition with their musical visions.


Tune in this week to see how Felix connects the dots between these two seemingly dissimilar icons — and hear some new music that also blends tradition with modernity. 


Music heard in this episode:


Orquestra Afro-Brasileira, “Saudação ao Rei Nagô” and “Obaluayê”

Doctor Nativo, “Caminantes” feat. Roco Pachukote

Bikôkô, “The Other” feat. Isaiah Hull and “La Mano” feat Crystal Murray

day2k, “OBSSD” and “más q todoooooo”

Flaco Jimenez, “Lucerito”

Eddie Palmieri, “Una Rosa Española”


Audio and production for this episode was done by Noah Caldwell.

Suraya Mohamed is Executive Producer for NPR Music.

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Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

Support for NPR and the following message come from the Walton Family Foundation,

0:05.1

working to create access to opportunity for people and communities by tackling tough social and environmental problems.

0:12.0

More information is at waltonfamilyfoundation.org.

0:15.9

I don't know, Felix, you've been pretty coy about your recent celebrity stardom.

0:21.8

I mean, word on the street is you're being honored alongside Raou Alejandro.

0:25.2

Is that correct?

0:27.1

It might be time for you to share.

0:29.0

Yeah, it's true.

0:30.0

I am being honored with the Hispanic Heritage Award recognition for journalism in September.

0:37.5

Some of the other awardees include Raul Alejandro for music and Cheech Marin.

0:42.8

Really? Also?

0:44.0

Yeah.

0:44.3

Wow.

0:44.9

For art.

0:46.2

It's a recognition ceremony gala that happens every year.

0:50.5

I've been in the audience many, many, many, many times.

0:53.4

And I got selected this year, so.

0:55.9

Felix, do you remember what you said to the email?

0:59.1

Because I almost peed myself, I laughed so hard.

1:02.7

Do you remember it?

1:03.9

No, I don't.

1:05.4

I saw this email come through and I go, I think I put everyone on the email and I go,

...

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