In Retrospect – Robert Palmer

[winston]

In Retrospect – Robert Palmer

Foreword:

This series is dedicated to those who have been influential in their chosen genre and have unfortunately passed on to rock and roll heaven. The subjects can and will be singers, songwriters, musicians, session players, sidemen, producers, recording engineers and arrangers.

If you have someone that you would like us to look at their career in retrospect, feel free to contribute to this series. Keep in mind that the purpose is to discuss an influential individual who was either famous or contributed to the success of others in a profound manner.

Robert Palmer has invoked feelings of some sort or another in most people that he came into contact with either in person or through his recorded works or his videos. His work whether you like it or not in other words is truly remarkable. I would go so far as to say that it was distinctly different and easily recognizable no matter what format, genre or tempo that he chose as a vehicle to convey his music to the public.

His early struggles to gain success did not deter him. He continued to soldier on whilst others fell by the wayside. Success did not come easily to Robert Palmer, he fought tenaciously from his early beginnings in 1964 to attain the pinacle and he ultimately succeeded in his goal in 1978 with his first major breakthrough top twenty hit single "Every Kinda People". This song has become one of Palmer's best-loved songs, covered multiple times by other artists (including Chaka Demus and Pliers, Randy Crawford and Amy Grant) and cited by music fans and spiritual groups for its positive message.

His 1979 Secrets album produced his second Top 20 single with Moon Martin's "Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)", which like "Every Kinda People" became one of his signature tunes.

The 1980s were good for Robert Palmer. He enjoyed more of commercial success. The album Clues generated hits on both sides of the Atlantic, first with the single "Johnny and Mary" and then "Looking for Clues". Well produced music videos with a New Wave flavour provided him with exposure to a younger audience. He continued his success with the release in 1982 of "Some Guys Have All the Luck".

1983's release of "You Are In My System" was an example of Robert Palmer's passion for R&B covers. In 1985 he again had two singles in the top twenty with "Some Like It Hot" and a cover of the T. Rex song "Get It On (Bang a Gong)".

Robert recorded the album Riptide in 1985. Riptide featured the #1 single "Addicted to Love". The song was originally cut with Chaka Khan sharing lead vocals but due to contractual problems Chaka was removed for the final mix. The single as I fondly recall was accompanied by a mesmerizing video, in which Robert Palmer is surrounded by a number of similarly clad and heavily made-up females who were his "musicians". A number of artists including Shania Twain have paid tribute to this video by making videos that are very similar in nature.

He also did well with the singles "Hyperactive" and his cover of Cherrelle's "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On", with the latter being a #2 US and #9 UK hit single.

In 1987 he repeated his previous success with "Addicted to Love" with the video of "Simply Irresistible", again Palmer with a troupe of female "musicians".

Don't Explain was released in 1990, it covered diverse musical styles including rock, R&B, jazz and Bahamian influences. It, also, featured the Bob Dylan-penned Top 10 single "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight", in a collaboration with UB40, that secured a #6 placing in the UK and the Top 20 Marvin Gaye cover "Mercy Mercy Me".

Robert Palmer continued to record and work into the 90's adding to his body of work. He explored all sorts of genres and sounds. His last album "Drive" recorded in 2003 demonstrated his love for blues. Drive featured covers of fifteen blues standards, plus the original track "Lucky".

Robert left us standing in awe of his talents when he died on the 26th of September in Paris, France in 2003 of a sudden heart attack at the age of 54.

Robert where ever you are in heaven, I salute you.

[johneek]

Thanks Brian...great summary. I have enjoyed Robert Palmer's music for years. While it's rare for me to enjoy the "commercially successful" material after I've appreciated artists in obscurity, I must confess that I really did enjoy his big hits of the mid 80s. What red blooded boy didn't enjoy all those "little black dresses?"

[ozover50]

Excellent stuff, Brian.

I too was and am a fan of Robert Palmer and I regularly drag out his CDs for a reminder session. I'll never get the video of "Addicted To Love" out of my head, either !!!

One thing you might clarify for me..... I always thought "Some Like It Hot", whilst a Robert Palmer song, was actually recorded by "Tower Of Power" with Robert as the frontman.

[phlemmy]

Power Station!

[ozover50]

Thanks, Sean..... I knew "Power" was in there somewhere!

[charlyg]

Cool! I just downloaded Drive. I like! And did not know about it!!

[manta]

He played a couple of concerts in Guam in the '80s and I saw them both. Outstanding. He did one in a club called Pescador that locals had affectionately dubbed "Pest Control". It must have been 110 in there. I bet everyone in the band lost 20 pounds. They all stripped down to skin, tank tops or bikini tops but Robert was cool, man. He kept the sport coat and skinny tie on for at least half the concert and then the longsleeve white shirt for the finale. Never missed a beat.

And don't forget the ultra-cool album cover for "Sneakin' Through the Alley with Sally".

Timbo

[winston]

Thanks guys for your posts. This is a career that should be celebrated. He was a very energetic individual who quietly helped others attain their goals. I have the deepest respect for an artist who does as much behind the scenes without any fanfare as they do when they are in the spotlight.

Charly,

Given your experience and passion for the blues, I would love to hear your take on his last CD "Drive"

[charlyg]

On first listen, I really enjoyed the old standards. He got a bit "Caribbean" there in the middle, which didn't seem to fit with the old standards. But all in all, I'm glad I bought it. He goes from "sweet" to gravel" easily during a song, which I really enjoy.

And of course, I always enjoy the original Hound Dog!

Rabbits?

[winston]

Thanks Charly.

This is a classic live piece with Seal and Bon Jovi. What a great sound and a great rendition.

[winston]

Thanks for all you gave Robert - You are missed.