Earl Palmer

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  • Year:
    2000
  • Inducted by:
    Mike Stoller
  • Category:
    Musical Excellence
Earl Palmer

Introduction

The cream of the New Orleans crop.

Earl Palmer was a first-call session drummer—no small feat in New Orleans, a city famous for its rhythm. Ritchie Valens, Eddie Cochran, Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt and more have all marched to the beat of Palmer’s drum over the course of his celebrated career.

Hall of Fame Essay

2000

Max Weinberg

Go to New Orleans if you want to hear hot  drumming. 

Like the gunslingers of the Old West, the Gulfport drummers are legendary. And one of the best is Earl Palmer. 

For his drumming on such classic hits as Fats Domino’s “The Fat Man,” “I’m Walkin’ ” and “Blueberry Hill,” Lloyd  Price’s “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” and Little Richard’s “Lucille,” “Good Golly, Miss Molly” and “Rip It Up,” Earl Palmer is renowned in the history of New Orleans rock & roll.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Program 2000
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