Earl Palmer Dies

The legendary drummer Earl Palmer died yesterday after a lengthy illness. He was 84 years old. Palmer was born in New Orleans and started his career as a tap dancer with his Mother on the black vaudeville circuit. Palmer helped create the early sound of rock and roll with Fats Domino, Little Richard and Smiley Lewis. His playing on "The Fat Man" features the strong backbeat that has become part of the rock and roll sound. In 1957 Palmer moved to California and played on more people's albums than I have space to list. A partial list includes: Ricky Nelson, Ray Charles Eddie Cochran, Frank Sintra, The Monkees...he played on The Righteous Brothers' hit "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'".

He is quoted as saying "I've been asked if people could borrow my drums because they like their sound. What the hell, they think the drums play themselves? I said, 'You really want 'em? Really? Okay. Cost you triple scale and cartage.'"

Fats Domino "The Fat Man"