Robert Palmer

Robert Palmer Artistfacts

  • January 19, 1949 - September 26, 2003
  • The English singer-songwriter caught his big break when he was invited to replace The Alan Bown Set's lead singer on the band's 1969 single "Gypsy Girl." Over the next couple years, he sang and played guitar for jazz and R&B groups (such as Vinegar Joe) before signing to Island Records in 1974. He released his solo album, Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley, that year.
  • His biggest commercial success came in the '80s, most notably with his signature tune "Addicted To Love." The single was bolstered by a hit video on MTV, with the sharply dressed singer backed by a faux-band of chic fashion models. Often emulated and parodied, the clip becomes one of the defining images of the decade and makes Palmer a star.
  • Palmer was a very sharp dresser, usually seen in impeccably tailored suits.
  • While recording the 1988 album Heavy Nova, Palmer received an unsolicited track called "Lust You Always" from none other than Prince. He recorded the song, but didn't include it on the album. Said Palmer: "I had to record it because I didn't want to offend the chap, did I? But I thought the lyric stank."
  • He was a member of the '80s supergroup The Power Station, joined by Chic drummer Tony Thompson and Duran Duran's John Taylor and Andy Taylor. The band's eponymous album yielded the Top 10 hits "Some Like It Hot" and "Bang A Gong (Get It On)." On the accusation of copying the group's sound for his own solo records, Palmer told Number One magazine: "Listen, I gave the Power Station that sound. They took it from me, not the other way around."
  • He won two Grammy Awards for Best Rock Vocal Performance, one for "Addicted to Love" and one for "Simply Irresistible."
  • Palmer was a world traveler. He lived in Malta for much of his childhood and also lived in Switzerland and the Bahamas
  • There was another prominent Robert Palmer in the world of music: an American journalist who wrote for The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and various other publications. (Another rocker/journalist namesake combo: Bill Wyman). Robert Palmer the journalist also died young, succumbing to liver disease at 52 in 1997.
  • Palmer was visiting Paris, France, when he died in his hotel room from a cardiac arrest on September 26, 2003.

Comments: 2

  • Ss from GeorgiaWhy are 2 girls wearing short black dresses and 2 girls wearing knee length black dresses in the “Addicted to Love” video with Robert Palmer? Is there some kind of message?
  • Michael Fox from Zephyrhills, FlWhile the dancing in Addicted to Love is often parodied, it can be first seen, almost exactly, in Queen's Body Language music video. It's almost uncanny!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

Actors With Hit Songs

Actors With Hit SongsMusic Quiz

Many actors have attempted music, but only a few have managed a hit. Do you know which of these thespians charted?

Music Video Director David Hogan

Music Video Director David HoganSong Writing

David talks about videos he made for Prince, Alabama, Big & Rich, Sheryl Crow, DMB, Melissa Etheridge and Sisters of Mercy.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Famous Singers' First Films

Famous Singers' First FilmsSong Writing

A look at the good (Diana Ross, Eminem), the bad (Madonna, Bob Dylan) and the peculiar (David Bowie, Michael Jackson) film debuts of superstar singers.