9.24.2008

Earl Palmer RIP


Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Earl Palmer, one of the most prolific session drummers of all time, died last Friday at the age of 83.

As impressive as Buddy Harman's résumé was, Palmer's was even better. Here's a partial list:

"Lawdy Miss Clawdy"
"Beyond the Sea"
"Let the Good Times Roll"
"My Blue Heaven"
"Tutti Frutti"
"I'm Walkin'"
"You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'"
"River Deep, Mountain High"
"Donna"
"La Bamba"
"Dead Man's Curve"

And that's just a start. He also played on numerous film and TV scores, probably most memorably laying down the beat for the theme song to "The Flintstones." I'm also looking for full confirmation that he played on the "Brady Bunch" theme but can't find anything definitive.

Regardless, popular music wouldn't have been the same without Earl Palmer. So, here's to you, Earl. Rest in peace.

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