Robert Palmer: He Had a Soulful and Jazzy Style!
By | September 17, 2018
From his musical interest in early childhood to his first solo album, “Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley” and beyond, Robert Palmer and his career kept moving like a rolling stone.
Robert Palmer was a British singer, songwriter musician and record producer. He began his epic career in 1964 at the young age of just 15 years old. Palmer’s voice was and continues to be, one of distinction and easily recognizable. He had the ability to mix it up and combine many genres of music, all wrapped up into one unique sound.
"The Mandrakes," was the name of Robert Palmer’s first band association at the age of 15.
Palmer’s father was a career, British naval officer. As such, he had the opportunity to listen to American armed forces radio broadcasts as a child. Those broadcasts were said to have been the very vehicle that influenced his sense of musical style.
Robert Palmer’s musical style was soulful and jazzy! He gave his fans 110% in every performance.
Soul, jazz, reggae, blues, rock & roll and anything pop was Robert Palmer’s style. He artfully co-mingled all of these genres to form his own unique sound. He was associated with several different groups throughout his awesome career but also had an extremely successful solo career as well.
Throughout his musical career, Robert Palmer was associated with "Vinegar Joe," "Lowell George," "Chic," "Andy Taylor," "John Taylor," "The Power Station" and "Duran Duran," among others.
Palmer’s musical career evolved as he became recognized for the unique sound and style he brought to the world of music. Robert Palmer, as a member of various other groups, ultimately stood out among his peers for his style. Although he was associated with many other music bands, he had epic success as a solo artist as well.
Robert Palmer had songs on the Top 10 Music Charts in both the U.K. and the U.S.
By the late '70s and early '80s, Robert Palmer had gained considerable notoriety. His career had seen him into the age of MTV. Music videos were becoming huge during this era and he jumped on the bandwagon. At one point, Palmer focused strictly on pop, rock music. Nevertheless, he seemed to be successful at whatever he set out to do.
“Addicted to Love,” “Simply Irresistible” and “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On” are probably some of Robert Palmer’s most notable MTV music videos.
Robert Palmer’s music career saw him through many groups, genres and venues. His career spanned about 40 years and included earning prestigious awards including 2 Grammy Awards and an MTV Video Music Award. Ironically, although Robert Palmer was from across the pond, he was much more popular here in the U.S.
Palmer hailed from the music era of the '60s at which time he had audiences sitting up and taking notice. Over the next 2 decades, he would gain notoriety and release many successful albums. The '80s and the advent of MTV were very good to Robert Palmer and he was enjoying epic success during this era.
“Some Guys Have All the Luck,” was one of Robert Palmer's iconic albums released in the early 80’s.
Unfortunately, Robert Palmer was taken way too soon by a heart attack at the age of 54; but not before he had left his musical mark on this world. For Palmer, it wasn’t about superstardom and unnecessary excesses that go along with success. He just loved what he did, and he did it well.