Robert Palmer

Robert Allen Palmer (January 19, 1949 – September 26, 2003) was a British musician, singer-songwriter and recording artist who released many hits during the 1970s and the 1980s. His hits include Addicted to Love and "Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)".

Robert Palmer
Robert Palmer.jpg
Palmer in 1986
Background information
Birth nameRobert Allen Palmer
Born(1949-01-19)19 January 1949
Batley, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Died26 September 2003(2003-09-26) (aged 54)
Paris, France
GenresRock, pop, blue-eyed soul
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
Instrumentalist
Record producer
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, drums
Years active1969–2003
LabelsIsland, EMI
Associated actsPower Station, Vinegar Joe, Andy Taylor, John Taylor, Duran Duran, Chic

Palmer received a number of awards throughout his career, including two Grammy Awards for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, an MTV Video Music Award, and was twice nominated for the BRIT Award for Best British Male.[1][2]

Personal life

Robert Palmer married Susan Eileen Thatcher in 1971. They had two children together, James and Jane. They divorced in 1999.[3][4] In 1993, Palmer moved from the Bahamas to Lugano, Switzerland. He thought the islands were overrun with drugs and guns and were no longer safe.[4] Palmer's companion at the time of his death was Mary Ambrose.[3][4]

Later life and death

Palmer moved to Lugano, Switzerland, in 1986. He became a naturalized citizen of Switzerland in 1993. He lived there until his death.

A heavy smoker, he died in Paris, France, from a heart attack on 26 September 2003 at the age of 54.[5] He was holidaying with his close friend, Jack Bruce, and conducting publicity appearances for his most recent release Drive prior to his death.

He was survived by his parents, Leslie and Anna Palmer, his brother, Mark Palmer, and his children, James and Jane.

Studio albums

Year Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
(sales thresholds)
UK
[6]
AUS
[7]
NLD
[8]
NZ
[9]
SWE
[10]
US
[11]
1974 Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley - - - - - -
1975 Pressure Drop
  • Label: Island
- - - - - 136
1976 Some People Can Do What They Like
  • Label: Island
46 - - - - 68
1978 Double Fun
  • Label: Island
- - 10 29 - 45
1979 Secrets
  • Label: Island
54 - 42 39 - 19
1980 Clues
  • Label: Island
31 - 16 21 1 59
1983 Pride
  • Label: Island
37 - 22 27 36 112
1985 Riptide
  • Label: Island
5 - 72 13 - 8
1988 Heavy Nova 17 2 42 14 47 13
1990 Don't Explain
  • Label: EMI
9 29 85 48 48 88
1992 Ridin' High
  • Label: EMI
32 - - - - 173
1994 Honey
  • Label: EMI
25 - 85 - - -
1999 Rhythm & Blues
  • Label: EMI
118[15] - - - - -
2003 Drive
  • Label: EMI
- - - - - -

Robert Palmer Media

References

  1. BRITs Profile: Robert Palmer Archived 2014-06-23 at the Wayback Machine. Brits.co.uk. Retrieved 14 April 2012
  2. Profile: Robert Palmer. Rock On The Net. Retrieved 14 April 2012
  3. 3.0 3.1 Phelps, Frank (28 September 2003). "Dapper Rocker Robert Palmer dies". The Chicago Sun Times: 27. 
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Robert Palmer Singer whose designer suits and hit record Addicted to Love came to symbolise the excesses of the 1980s/Corrections". Daily Telegraph: 20. 29 September 2003. 
  5. Singer Robert Palmer dies BBC. Retrieved 19 April 2012
  6. "Chart Stats - Robert Palmer". theofficialcharts.com. Retrieved 2011-11-21.
  7. "Discography Robert+Palmer". Australian-Charts.com. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
  8. "Discografie Robert Palmer". DutchCharts.nl. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
  9. "Discography Robert Palmer". Charts.ord.nz. Archived from the original on 2012-07-23. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
  10. "Discography Robert Palmer". SwedishCharts.com. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
  11. "Chart Stats - Robert Palmer". allmusic.com. Retrieved 2011-11-21.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 "Certified Awards Search Archived 2012-10-17 at the Wayback Machine". Music Canada. Retrieved on 2011-11-22. Note: User needs to enter "Robert Palmer" in the "Search" field, "Artist" in the "Search by" field and click the "Go" button. Select "More info" next to the relevant entry to see full certification history.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Certified Awards Search Archived 2017-10-06 at the Wayback Machine". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved on 2011-11-21. Note: User needs to enter "Robert Palmer" in the "Search" field, "Artist" in the "Search by" field and click the "Go" button. Select "More info" next to the relevant entry to see full certification history.
  14. 14.0 14.1 "Searchable Database". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2011-11-21. Note: User must define 'Artist' search parameter as "Robert Palmer".
  15. "Chart Log UK: Rodney P. - The Pussycat Dolls". Zobbel.de. Retrieved 2012-04-18.