September 26, 2003
Robert Palmer
Robert Alan Palmer, the rock singer known for his sharp suits and stylish videos, died on Sept. 26 of a heart attack. He was 54.
Palmer was a graphic designer by trade, but his true passion was music. He launched his career in his 20s, when he worked with several small bands like Dada and the Alan Brown Band. He opened for The Who and Jimi Hendrix with the band, Vinegar Joe, but when they broke up, Palmer moved to the U.S. and released his first hit record, "Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley."
Although the excesses of rock 'n' roll didn't appeal to him, Palmer did enjoy dressing in a sophisticated manner. That pleasure proved to be his ticket to stardom in the 1980s when he released the songs, "Addicted to Love" and "Simply Irresistible." Both videos featured Palmer surrounded by a back-up band of gorgeous women identically attired in black dresses. Palmer was named best dressed male artist by Rolling Stone in 1990. "Addicted to Love" won a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal in 1986, and was voted into the Top 10 of the "100 Greatest Videos Ever Made" list created by MTV and TV Guide.
Palmer also scored three top 10 hits in the U.S. with a side project. Power Station, which formed in 1985, featured John and Andy Taylor from the band, Duran Duran.
His latest album, "Drive," was well received by critics in May for its melding of R&B and Caribbean music. Palmer was on a two-day break in Paris after completing a television recording session in Britain when he died.
• Watch 3 Robert Palmer Videos
Posted on September 26, 2003 8:41 AMI enjoyed Mr. Palmers music and he and his music will be greatly missed.
Posted by T. A. on February 9, 2004 7:03 PMIn an age of mediocrity, Robert showed others how it should be done. His work will be remembered long after pap pop has faded away.
Posted by Alan Cleaver on September 12, 2004 11:20 AMI really love him! He will never die, co`s his music lives forever.
Posted by Danny on October 27, 2004 11:27 AMHe was a classy, classy guy and will be missed. All who follow that profess to sing with soul owe a debt of gratitude to Robert Palmer.
Posted by Brian on February 9, 2005 12:42 PMHe was one of the best male singer ever and if you are depressed about life, donŽt worry and take it easy, just listen his SOME LIKE IT HOT and you will be excited and rollinŽagain in a few seconds. Robert youŽll be remembered forever and ever.
Thanks for your music.
John Smith
Posted by John Smith on August 9, 2005 10:15 PMRobert Palmer was a great visionary in the music world and he will be missed.
Posted by evilqueen1968 on September 23, 2005 2:31 PM:( Much loved and sorely missed. The world could use your class, Mr. Palmer.
Posted by Avalon on October 24, 2005 10:11 AMHis music was great: too bad there was not more of it. Nobody should die at his young age though; Mick Jagger is older and still rocks my world.
Posted by Geoff Brandner on December 11, 2005 8:29 AMTo an undeniable true talent of the 80's; you are sorely missed. Your music will always be apart of my life as you brought forth great memories for me during a time of change both personally and socially world wide, may the 80's live on in memory of your recordings.
Posted by Blanca Manns on February 16, 2006 5:04 PMOne of the best singer song writers of the 20'th century,will be sadly missed.
Posted by Ashley Shaw on June 29, 2006 4:35 PMSuch good taste in clothes. A real dapper gent and such a wonderful performer. I am not into that stuff but what a waste dying so young. Chain smoker though. I would like to know how his long term girlfriend took it - she was with him in Italy I think. Terrible terrible. I bet they made a handsome couple...
Posted by sarah on July 21, 2006 11:45 AMI saw Robert Palmer in San Francisco with the Power Station in about 2000. I will never forget this concert--it was genius. He was to play at the Maritime Theater again later. I bought tickets and I remember anticipating the concert. When I arrived, a note on the door said it was cancelled--this was a real disappointment. I especially loved Every Kind of People and Harvest for the World. He is missed.
Posted by Scott on August 17, 2007 9:10 PMSmooth, that's the one word to describe Robert Palmer. His voice, his look, the way he made it look effortless. A touch of class that's sorely missing in today's music scene.
Posted by Jeffrey C on September 17, 2007 12:30 AMits a shame robert palmer had 2 die so young he was a very talented man and a very sexy 1 at that his name will live forever on in my heart
Posted by louise denty on January 19, 2008 11:47 AMI followed Palmer's career from an early age and he was without a doubt a classy man with a unique sound and great showmanship. He and his music can't ever be replaced or replicated and will be greatly missed. His music will always live on.
Posted by Trento Trasimeno on March 11, 2008 7:31 AMrobert palmer is a very tallented and sexy man its so tragic that he had 2 be taken away from us at such a young age. He will always have a place in my heart. Rest in peace x x x x x
Posted by louise denty on April 18, 2008 3:30 PMThe man was one of the greatest ever, along the same lines as others I've performed and wrote with, Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, Arthur Prysock , Stevie Wonder, Sam and Dave etc, etc. We miss you Bobaloo!!! Love you Man,
Frank Blair
Just as Marvin Gaye,Jackie Wilson one of the Greatest. We miss you Bobaloo
Posted by Frank Blair on April 24, 2008 6:27 PM