British singer and songwriter Robert Palmer, whose suave style and catchy songs helped define the 1980’s rock scene, died of a heart attack in Paris early Friday, Reuters reports. He was 54.
The musician’s death was sudden, a spokeswoman for his record company, Universal Music, told reporters in London. Seemingly in the best of health, Palmer had been visiting Paris with companion Mary Ambrose, taking a break after a recording session in London for Yorkshire Television. He had been living in Switzerland for the last 16 years, and is survived by two children from an early marriage.
Palmer’s first hit album and single was “Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley,” in 1974. He followed that with 1979’s hit single, “Bad Case of Loving You.” But the ’80s were particularly kind to the singer, who scored big during that decade with “Addicted to Love” and “I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On,” from his 1985 solo album Riptide, and “Simply Irresistible,” from 1988’s Heavy Nova. But the ’80s audience identified the singer as much with his slick onscreen presence in his music videos as with his music: the immensely popular video for “Addicted to Love” featured several unforgettable female background dancers, guitarists and singers, all with long legs, red lips and very short, tight skirts.
In 1985, the singer also fronted Power Station, which he formed with Duran Duran members John Taylor and Andy Taylor. The group had three hit singles, including “Some Like It Hot,” “Get It On (Bang a Gong)” and “Communication.” According to MTV, Palmer left the band just before their tour was set to begin, and instead recorded Riptide.
The son of a British naval officer, Palmer (born Alan Palmer) spent his early years in Malta with no TV. He spent his time instead listening to the R&B and jazz that would influence him through most of his career and were particularly evident on his latest album, Drive.
