BIOGRAPHY
1969
After a childhood on the move, with his Father being a civil servant in the British Admirality, Palmer joins a semi pro rock band,The Mandrakes, at the age of 15. Based in Yorkshire, he has returned from Malta where his Father had been stationed. He was born Robert Allen Palmer on January 19th, 1949. He would be known as Alan until he joins The Alan Bown Set. He resigns from his profession as a graphic designer in November, 1969 and moves to London to join the Alan Bown Set as vocalist. He replaces Jess Roden as vocalist and appears on the bands Dream - Label single, Gypsy Girl. He also records vocals to replace Rodens originals on the album, The Alan Bown! (The US release retains Rodens vocals). The following year he joins avant - garde jazz rockers Da Da in place of Paul Korda, who has sung with Elkie Brooks on their album, Da Da, released under Atco Records. The group splinters before recording again.
1971
Palmer sticks with some ex members of Da Da to form Vinegar Joe, a group with a blues - rock feel. Sharing lead vocals with Elkie Brooks, the other musicians are Pete Gavin (drums), Mike Deacon (keyboards), Steve York (bass) and Pete Gage (guitar). They are signed to the Island label and release the album "Vinegar Joe" in April, 1972. The album fails to chart but the group gain a favourable live reputation when they tour Europe. One can view this on archive footage from the BBC series, The Old Grey Whistle Test.
1974
On March 9th, Vinegar Joe play their last UK gig at St Pauls College, Cheltenham, after poor sales of two albums. A two week tour of Yugoslavia follows before the group breaks for good. Palmer is retained by Island records as a solo artist and releases the album "Sneakin Sally Throu The Alley" in September. It eventually climbs to US# 107 in July 1975.
1975
Palmer relocates to New York with his wife and releases his sophomore set "Pressure Drop" in December. He has toured the US in support of and backing singer with Little Feat. Pressure Drop peaks at US# 136.
1976
In November, Palmers third album, "Some People Can Do What They Like", peaks at US#68 and UK#46. His firs single to chart, "Man Smart, Woman Smarter", reaches US#63 in January, 1977. He moves to Nassau in the Bahamas and settles there until 1987.
1978
In April the Double Fun album makes US# 45 while in June, the single "Every Kinda People", written by Frees Andy Fraser hits US# 16. It also climbs to UK# 53. In September, Palmer undertakes his first European tour.
1979
In July, Palmers latest album, "Secrets", hits UK#54 as the single "Bad Case Of Loving You" makes UK# 61. In September, Secrets hits US# 19 and Bad Case... climbs to US# 14. In November, Palmer plays Londons Hammersmith Odeon during a UK tour.
1980
In February, a cover of Todd Rundgrens "Can We Still Be Friends" from the Secrets album reaches US# 52. The album, "Clues", hits the shelves in September. Its Palmers most exciting Album to date according to some critics and features collaborations with Gary Numan. It becomes his highest charting album so far in the UK, hitting # 31. The single "Johnny and Mary" also hits # 44 but becomes a radio classic. In November, Clues makes US# 59 as Palmer records a concert at Londons Dominion theatre for a future live album project. In December, the second single from Clues, "Looking For Clues", makes UK #33.
1982
"Maybe Its Live", an album of live and studio recorded tracks is released in April. it makes UK# 32 while one of the studio cuts, a cover of a 1973 Persuaders US hit, "Some Guys Have All The Luck", hits # 16. Maybe Its Live climbs to US #148 in May.
1983
The self produced and composed album, "Pride", is released in April and goes on to chart at #37 and #112 in the UK and US respectively. The single, a cover of The Systems US #61 hit, "You Are In My System" climbs to UK #53 in June and US #78 in July.
1985
In January, Palmer is invited to join John and Andy Taylor from Duran Duran. The trio, together with Chic drummer Tony Thompson, form The Power Station. The group is designed to be a one album studio project. John and Andy are craving a heavier rock sound for their interim project while Duran Duran are on hold. Originally, various singers were going to be asked to contribute but as John Taylor admits "the minute we heard Roberts voice...that was it". The "Power Station" album makes UK #12 in April and goes on to reach US #6. It spawns the hits "Some Like It Hot", "Get It On" and "Communication". Palmer leaves the band in July following a dispute with other members, who wish to tour the album. The band appear at the Philadelphia "Live Aid" show with Michael Des Barres replacing Palmer. In November, "Discipline Of Love (Why Did You Do It)", the first single from Palmers new Bernard Edwards produced Album "Riptide" reaches US #82. the album makes a slow start sales wise making UK #69.
1986
On May 3rd, "addicted To love" from Riptide becomes Americas National anthem for a week according to Palmer when it hits US #1. The Terence Donovan directed video is on heavy MTV rotation and will become one of the most enduring Audio Visual clips in history. Riptide, boosted by the singles success, hits US #8. In June, "Addicted To Love" climbs to UK #5 with Riptide also enjoying a second coming hitting UK #5 also. On July 19th the third cut from Riptide, "Hyperactive", makes US #33. August sees the Jam & Lewis penned "I Didnt Mean To Turn You On", also from Riptide, make UK #9 (Cherrelle has had a 1984 US #79 hit with the same track). The video sees Palmer again backed by an all female group and with a proven track record for MTV and TV, the formula sees Riptide climb again to UK #5. On September 15th, "Addicted To Love" wins Best Male Video at the MTV VMAs , at which Palmer also performs. The show is simultaneously broadcast from the Universal Amphitheatre, California and the Palladium in New York. September 17th sees Riptide certified platinum by the RIAA. In November, "I Didnt Mean To Turn You On" hits US #2 as "Discipline Of Love (Why Did You Do It)", re - issued in the UK stops at #68.
1987
On February 24th, Palmer wins a grammy award for best rock performance (male) for "Addicted To Love". In September, Palmer moves to Lugano, Switzerland where he works on music for the soundtrack to the film "Sweet Lies". He commutes to the Logic studios in Milan, Italy.
1988
In April "Sweet Lies" from the film of the same name hits UK #58 having peaked at US #94 as EMI Manhattan announce Palmer as their latest signing. On July 9th, his label debut, "Heavy Nova" , climbs to UK #17 and will eventually peak at US #25. "Simply Irresistible" from the album reaches UK #44 again backed by a Terence Donovan classic video. On the 25th Palmer guests on NBCs Late Night With David Letterman. On September 10th "Simply Irresistible" makes US #2. November 3rd sees "Heavy Nova" confirmed Platinum by the RIAA. On the 12th "She Makes My Day" from the album makes UK #6 while on December 6th another cut, a cover of the Gap Bands 1982 US #24 hit "Early In The Morning" makes US #19.
1989
On January17th, "Addicted To Love" is certified Gold by the RIAA. In February, Palmer wins a second grammy for best rock performance (male), this time for "Simply Irresistible". June sees a further "Heavy Nova" cut, "Change His Ways" backed by a cartoon video making fun of the Terence Donovan directed clips, makes UK #25. On August 5th a further cut "Tell Me Im Not Dreaming" stalls at US #60. Three weeks later "It Could Happen To You" stops at UK #71. An Island compilation, "Addictions Vol 1", hits UK #7 on December 2nd.
1990
On January 6th "Addictions Vol 1" peaks at US #79. March 8th sees Palmer voted best dressed male rock star by Rolling Stone. In April, the soundtrack to the film, "Pretty Woman", begins a multi platinum chart run. It features Palmers track "Life In Detail". On November 17th, "Ill Be Your Baby Tonight", a collaboration with UB40 makes UK #6. Palmer has supported UB40 on tour and as a thank you asks the band to perform on this track on his forthcoming album. That Album, "Dont Explain" makes UK #25 and peaks at US #88 on December 22nd.
1991
On January 19th, "Youre Amazing" hits US #28 while on the 26th "Mercy Mercy Me/ I Want You" hits UK #9. Both songs are from the "Dont Explain" album. March 4th sees Palmer embark on a UK tour and on the 19th he guests on US syndicated TVs The Arsenio Hall Show. On April 20th "Mercy Mercy Me/ I Want You" reaches US #16. He performs at Londons Town And Country Club on May 30th. "Dreams to remember", a further single from "Dont Explain" charts for a week at UK #68 on June 15th. On July 12th, a US tour opens at Caesars Palace, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
1992
March 14th sees a re-issued "Every Kinda People" make UK #43 and on April 4th a second Island compilation, "Addictions Vol 2", with reworkings from his back catalogue , sees Palmer chart at UK #12. On August 7th an album by Brent Bourgeois, "A Matter Of Feel" on which Palmer has sung and co-written "Im Down with you", is released. October 17th sees Palmer appear on UK ITVs The Des O Connor show. On the 19th through to the 24th, Palmer performs nightly on a QE2 voyage to New York. "Witchcraft", from his forthcoming album of standards hits UK #50. He guests on NBCs The Tonight Show on the 28th and on the 31st the new album "Ridin High" bows at UK #32. It charts for a week at US #173 on November 14th. He performs with a 40 piece orchestra at Londons Royal albert Hall on November 17th and 18th and participates in the UKs Children In Need fundraiser on BBC two days later. BBC also aires "Robert Palmer - Ridin High", filmed at The Royal Albert Hall on December 23rd.
1993
On January 24th, Palmer performs at a Marvin Gaye tribute at MIDEM, France, with Chaka Khan, George Duke, Al Jarreau and others.
1994
May 23rd sees "Addictions Vol 1" certified Platinum by the RIAA. On July 19th "Girl U Want", the first single from a new album, makes UK #57. Palmer guests on ITVs The Michael Ball show on august 24th. September 10th sees the second single from the forthcoming "Honey" album hit UK #25. On the 24th "Honey" also hits UK #25. He appears on US TVs The Regis And Kathy Lee Show promoting "Honey". On December 17th, a third single, "You Blow Me Away" charts at UK #29.
1995
On October 14th a new single "Respect Yourself" debuts at its UK #45 peak. On the 28th a further compilation "The Very Best Of Robert Palmer" peaks at UK #4.
1996
On January 20th, Palmer guests on the UKs Channel 4 programme "The White Room". March 20th sees both Riptide and Addictions Vol 1 certified platinum by the RIAA. On October 4th, Palmer attends a gathering at the Abbey Road Studios to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the studios. Palmer had gathered the past members of the Power Station together during the year to record a second album. However, with the passing of Bernard Edwards (Producer/ musician) and the absence of John Taylor in the latter stages of the project through personal problems, the project failed to live up to expectations. "She Can Rock It", a cut from the forthcoming album "Living In Fear" makes UK #63 after a Top Of The Pops appearance. The album fails to chart.
1997
On April 26th, Palmer takes part in the fourth annual WBOS Earth Day concert at the MDC Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston, US. On August 16th, following US dates with Lynyrd Skynyrd, he performs at Songs and Visions - The Carlsberg Concert 97 at Londons Wembley Stadium with Rod Stewart and Jon Bon Jovi amongst others. On August 26th "Living In Fear" is released in the Guardian Angel label in the US. On September 16th, Palmer guests on ABC TVs Politically Incorrect as The Power Station play various US dates.
1998
In October, Capitol Records US imprint, Metro Blue, releases "Woke Up Laughing", a 14 track palmer produced compilation which he describes as "a collection of songs inspired by a love for the world of music, 1977-1997", with many alternate versions of Palmer tracks appearing on CD for the first time.
1999
April 12th sees the release of Palmers first new material in 5 years, "Rhythm & Blues". UK TVs Sky News has featured Palmer and his comeback on April 11th. The album is his debut for Eagle Records in the UK. It contains the single "True Love" and the limited release "Lets Get It On 99". Palmer appears on UK TVs channel 4 show TFI Friday singing "Lets Get It On".
2000
In January, Palmer is forced to cancel a UK tour after failing to secure his required musicians for the dates.
2001
April sees the release of Palmers second Live album through Eagle Records. "Live At The Apollo" contains many of Palmers biggest hits live for the first time on CD. The years since his last studio recording have also seen various compilations of Palmer material appear through the ever expanding Universal Records.
2002
Palmer continues to work on the follow up to his 1999 "Rhythm & Blues" album, scheduled for an early 2003 release.
2003
May sees the release of Roberts critically acclaimed album of blues covers. Self produced, the album is released by Universal for the world outside of the US and by Compendia in the US. Promo includes a two song performance on the BBC with Jools Holland.
On September 26th Robert Palmer tragically dies in Paris bringing down the curtain on a nearly 30 year successful and award winning solo career.
1969
After a childhood on the move, with his Father being a civil servant in the British Admirality, Palmer joins a semi pro rock band,The Mandrakes, at the age of 15. Based in Yorkshire, he has returned from Malta where his Father had been stationed. He was born Robert Allen Palmer on January 19th, 1949. He would be known as Alan until he joins The Alan Bown Set. He resigns from his profession as a graphic designer in November, 1969 and moves to London to join the Alan Bown Set as vocalist. He replaces Jess Roden as vocalist and appears on the bands Dream - Label single, Gypsy Girl. He also records vocals to replace Rodens originals on the album, The Alan Bown! (The US release retains Rodens vocals). The following year he joins avant - garde jazz rockers Da Da in place of Paul Korda, who has sung with Elkie Brooks on their album, Da Da, released under Atco Records. The group splinters before recording again.
1971
Palmer sticks with some ex members of Da Da to form Vinegar Joe, a group with a blues - rock feel. Sharing lead vocals with Elkie Brooks, the other musicians are Pete Gavin (drums), Mike Deacon (keyboards), Steve York (bass) and Pete Gage (guitar). They are signed to the Island label and release the album "Vinegar Joe" in April, 1972. The album fails to chart but the group gain a favourable live reputation when they tour Europe. One can view this on archive footage from the BBC series, The Old Grey Whistle Test.
1974
On March 9th, Vinegar Joe play their last UK gig at St Pauls College, Cheltenham, after poor sales of two albums. A two week tour of Yugoslavia follows before the group breaks for good. Palmer is retained by Island records as a solo artist and releases the album "Sneakin Sally Throu The Alley" in September. It eventually climbs to US# 107 in July 1975.
1975
Palmer relocates to New York with his wife and releases his sophomore set "Pressure Drop" in December. He has toured the US in support of and backing singer with Little Feat. Pressure Drop peaks at US# 136.
1976
In November, Palmers third album, "Some People Can Do What They Like", peaks at US#68 and UK#46. His firs single to chart, "Man Smart, Woman Smarter", reaches US#63 in January, 1977. He moves to Nassau in the Bahamas and settles there until 1987.
1978
In April the Double Fun album makes US# 45 while in June, the single "Every Kinda People", written by Frees Andy Fraser hits US# 16. It also climbs to UK# 53. In September, Palmer undertakes his first European tour.
1979
In July, Palmers latest album, "Secrets", hits UK#54 as the single "Bad Case Of Loving You" makes UK# 61. In September, Secrets hits US# 19 and Bad Case... climbs to US# 14. In November, Palmer plays Londons Hammersmith Odeon during a UK tour.
1980
In February, a cover of Todd Rundgrens "Can We Still Be Friends" from the Secrets album reaches US# 52. The album, "Clues", hits the shelves in September. Its Palmers most exciting Album to date according to some critics and features collaborations with Gary Numan. It becomes his highest charting album so far in the UK, hitting # 31. The single "Johnny and Mary" also hits # 44 but becomes a radio classic. In November, Clues makes US# 59 as Palmer records a concert at Londons Dominion theatre for a future live album project. In December, the second single from Clues, "Looking For Clues", makes UK #33.
1982
"Maybe Its Live", an album of live and studio recorded tracks is released in April. it makes UK# 32 while one of the studio cuts, a cover of a 1973 Persuaders US hit, "Some Guys Have All The Luck", hits # 16. Maybe Its Live climbs to US #148 in May.
1983
The self produced and composed album, "Pride", is released in April and goes on to chart at #37 and #112 in the UK and US respectively. The single, a cover of The Systems US #61 hit, "You Are In My System" climbs to UK #53 in June and US #78 in July.
1985
In January, Palmer is invited to join John and Andy Taylor from Duran Duran. The trio, together with Chic drummer Tony Thompson, form The Power Station. The group is designed to be a one album studio project. John and Andy are craving a heavier rock sound for their interim project while Duran Duran are on hold. Originally, various singers were going to be asked to contribute but as John Taylor admits "the minute we heard Roberts voice...that was it". The "Power Station" album makes UK #12 in April and goes on to reach US #6. It spawns the hits "Some Like It Hot", "Get It On" and "Communication". Palmer leaves the band in July following a dispute with other members, who wish to tour the album. The band appear at the Philadelphia "Live Aid" show with Michael Des Barres replacing Palmer. In November, "Discipline Of Love (Why Did You Do It)", the first single from Palmers new Bernard Edwards produced Album "Riptide" reaches US #82. the album makes a slow start sales wise making UK #69.
1986
On May 3rd, "addicted To love" from Riptide becomes Americas National anthem for a week according to Palmer when it hits US #1. The Terence Donovan directed video is on heavy MTV rotation and will become one of the most enduring Audio Visual clips in history. Riptide, boosted by the singles success, hits US #8. In June, "Addicted To Love" climbs to UK #5 with Riptide also enjoying a second coming hitting UK #5 also. On July 19th the third cut from Riptide, "Hyperactive", makes US #33. August sees the Jam & Lewis penned "I Didnt Mean To Turn You On", also from Riptide, make UK #9 (Cherrelle has had a 1984 US #79 hit with the same track). The video sees Palmer again backed by an all female group and with a proven track record for MTV and TV, the formula sees Riptide climb again to UK #5. On September 15th, "Addicted To Love" wins Best Male Video at the MTV VMAs , at which Palmer also performs. The show is simultaneously broadcast from the Universal Amphitheatre, California and the Palladium in New York. September 17th sees Riptide certified platinum by the RIAA. In November, "I Didnt Mean To Turn You On" hits US #2 as "Discipline Of Love (Why Did You Do It)", re - issued in the UK stops at #68.
1987
On February 24th, Palmer wins a grammy award for best rock performance (male) for "Addicted To Love". In September, Palmer moves to Lugano, Switzerland where he works on music for the soundtrack to the film "Sweet Lies". He commutes to the Logic studios in Milan, Italy.
1988
In April "Sweet Lies" from the film of the same name hits UK #58 having peaked at US #94 as EMI Manhattan announce Palmer as their latest signing. On July 9th, his label debut, "Heavy Nova" , climbs to UK #17 and will eventually peak at US #25. "Simply Irresistible" from the album reaches UK #44 again backed by a Terence Donovan classic video. On the 25th Palmer guests on NBCs Late Night With David Letterman. On September 10th "Simply Irresistible" makes US #2. November 3rd sees "Heavy Nova" confirmed Platinum by the RIAA. On the 12th "She Makes My Day" from the album makes UK #6 while on December 6th another cut, a cover of the Gap Bands 1982 US #24 hit "Early In The Morning" makes US #19.
1989
On January17th, "Addicted To Love" is certified Gold by the RIAA. In February, Palmer wins a second grammy for best rock performance (male), this time for "Simply Irresistible". June sees a further "Heavy Nova" cut, "Change His Ways" backed by a cartoon video making fun of the Terence Donovan directed clips, makes UK #25. On August 5th a further cut "Tell Me Im Not Dreaming" stalls at US #60. Three weeks later "It Could Happen To You" stops at UK #71. An Island compilation, "Addictions Vol 1", hits UK #7 on December 2nd.
1990
On January 6th "Addictions Vol 1" peaks at US #79. March 8th sees Palmer voted best dressed male rock star by Rolling Stone. In April, the soundtrack to the film, "Pretty Woman", begins a multi platinum chart run. It features Palmers track "Life In Detail". On November 17th, "Ill Be Your Baby Tonight", a collaboration with UB40 makes UK #6. Palmer has supported UB40 on tour and as a thank you asks the band to perform on this track on his forthcoming album. That Album, "Dont Explain" makes UK #25 and peaks at US #88 on December 22nd.
1991
On January 19th, "Youre Amazing" hits US #28 while on the 26th "Mercy Mercy Me/ I Want You" hits UK #9. Both songs are from the "Dont Explain" album. March 4th sees Palmer embark on a UK tour and on the 19th he guests on US syndicated TVs The Arsenio Hall Show. On April 20th "Mercy Mercy Me/ I Want You" reaches US #16. He performs at Londons Town And Country Club on May 30th. "Dreams to remember", a further single from "Dont Explain" charts for a week at UK #68 on June 15th. On July 12th, a US tour opens at Caesars Palace, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
1992
March 14th sees a re-issued "Every Kinda People" make UK #43 and on April 4th a second Island compilation, "Addictions Vol 2", with reworkings from his back catalogue , sees Palmer chart at UK #12. On August 7th an album by Brent Bourgeois, "A Matter Of Feel" on which Palmer has sung and co-written "Im Down with you", is released. October 17th sees Palmer appear on UK ITVs The Des O Connor show. On the 19th through to the 24th, Palmer performs nightly on a QE2 voyage to New York. "Witchcraft", from his forthcoming album of standards hits UK #50. He guests on NBCs The Tonight Show on the 28th and on the 31st the new album "Ridin High" bows at UK #32. It charts for a week at US #173 on November 14th. He performs with a 40 piece orchestra at Londons Royal albert Hall on November 17th and 18th and participates in the UKs Children In Need fundraiser on BBC two days later. BBC also aires "Robert Palmer - Ridin High", filmed at The Royal Albert Hall on December 23rd.
1993
On January 24th, Palmer performs at a Marvin Gaye tribute at MIDEM, France, with Chaka Khan, George Duke, Al Jarreau and others.
1994
May 23rd sees "Addictions Vol 1" certified Platinum by the RIAA. On July 19th "Girl U Want", the first single from a new album, makes UK #57. Palmer guests on ITVs The Michael Ball show on august 24th. September 10th sees the second single from the forthcoming "Honey" album hit UK #25. On the 24th "Honey" also hits UK #25. He appears on US TVs The Regis And Kathy Lee Show promoting "Honey". On December 17th, a third single, "You Blow Me Away" charts at UK #29.
1995
On October 14th a new single "Respect Yourself" debuts at its UK #45 peak. On the 28th a further compilation "The Very Best Of Robert Palmer" peaks at UK #4.
1996
On January 20th, Palmer guests on the UKs Channel 4 programme "The White Room". March 20th sees both Riptide and Addictions Vol 1 certified platinum by the RIAA. On October 4th, Palmer attends a gathering at the Abbey Road Studios to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the studios. Palmer had gathered the past members of the Power Station together during the year to record a second album. However, with the passing of Bernard Edwards (Producer/ musician) and the absence of John Taylor in the latter stages of the project through personal problems, the project failed to live up to expectations. "She Can Rock It", a cut from the forthcoming album "Living In Fear" makes UK #63 after a Top Of The Pops appearance. The album fails to chart.
1997
On April 26th, Palmer takes part in the fourth annual WBOS Earth Day concert at the MDC Hatch Memorial Shell in Boston, US. On August 16th, following US dates with Lynyrd Skynyrd, he performs at Songs and Visions - The Carlsberg Concert 97 at Londons Wembley Stadium with Rod Stewart and Jon Bon Jovi amongst others. On August 26th "Living In Fear" is released in the Guardian Angel label in the US. On September 16th, Palmer guests on ABC TVs Politically Incorrect as The Power Station play various US dates.
1998
In October, Capitol Records US imprint, Metro Blue, releases "Woke Up Laughing", a 14 track palmer produced compilation which he describes as "a collection of songs inspired by a love for the world of music, 1977-1997", with many alternate versions of Palmer tracks appearing on CD for the first time.
1999
April 12th sees the release of Palmers first new material in 5 years, "Rhythm & Blues". UK TVs Sky News has featured Palmer and his comeback on April 11th. The album is his debut for Eagle Records in the UK. It contains the single "True Love" and the limited release "Lets Get It On 99". Palmer appears on UK TVs channel 4 show TFI Friday singing "Lets Get It On".
2000
In January, Palmer is forced to cancel a UK tour after failing to secure his required musicians for the dates.
2001
April sees the release of Palmers second Live album through Eagle Records. "Live At The Apollo" contains many of Palmers biggest hits live for the first time on CD. The years since his last studio recording have also seen various compilations of Palmer material appear through the ever expanding Universal Records.
2002
Palmer continues to work on the follow up to his 1999 "Rhythm & Blues" album, scheduled for an early 2003 release.
2003
May sees the release of Roberts critically acclaimed album of blues covers. Self produced, the album is released by Universal for the world outside of the US and by Compendia in the US. Promo includes a two song performance on the BBC with Jools Holland.
On September 26th Robert Palmer tragically dies in Paris bringing down the curtain on a nearly 30 year successful and award winning solo career.
