Larry Harlow, the legendary pianist and bandleader who helped shape the sound of salsa in the 1960s and 1970s in New York, died Friday (Aug. 20) of complications from kidney disease, according to his son Myles Harlow Kahn. The artist, who was one of the first signed to Fania Records, was 82 years old.

“It is with deep sadness that we regret sharing the passing of Larry Harlow, producer, arranger, pianist extraordinaire, and Fania All Star member,” Fania Records shared in a Facebook post. “Harlow, also known as El Judio Maravilloso, made a name for himself with his dexterity on the piano, organ, flute, and bass. He went off to record more than 106 albums by various artists, and 50 of his own under the Fania label and other subsidiary labels.”

One of his last collaborations was with Marlow Rosado, the first artist signed by Fania in over 18 years, making him part of a historic family which includes Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon and others.

Source: Billboard
By: Leila Cobo