ROBERT PALMERRobert Palmer, the soulful British singer best known fromhis time with Power Station and as a solo artist, died on 26September, 2003, aged 54.A veteran of the pop music scene since the sixties, hefound worldwide fame with hit singles as a solo artist in the 1980s, Addicted To Love and Simply Irresistible.He dabbled in a variety of musical styles over the years,from jazz to blues to reggae to soul, becoming star due to the sleek and sexy nature of his songs and their accompanying videos.While he will be remembered for his solo hits, his time inPower Station and other bands exhibited an eclecticism and experimentation thatis often overlooked.Robert Allen Palmer was born in Batley, Yorkshire, on 19January, 1949, before growing up in Malta . He returned to Britain whenhe was 19.His first major band was The Allan Bown Set, who had minorsuccess with the single 'Gypsy Girl'. In 1970 he joined innovative jazzcollective Dada, a band that also included esteemed singer Elkie Brooks.With Elkie Brooks, he then formed Vinegar Joe and released threealbums on the famous Island Records label before Mr Palmer opted to pursue a solocareer.In the mid 70s he expanded his repertoire to include reggae,rock and synth-driven music, and enjoyed success in the singles chart with 'BadCase of Loving You' and 'Looking For Clues'.His profile was raised further when he joined Power Stationwith members of Duran Duran, scoring hits with 'Some Like It Hot' and a coverof the T-Rex song 'Get It On'.After leaving the band, he achieved a number one single with'Addicted To Love', the song that made him an international star.Mr Palmer's career in the late 80s and 90s did nothit the same heights, as he embraced world music and other forms. He enjoyedmoderate success in the nineties with two cover versions: Bob Dylan's 'I'll BeYour Baby Tonight' and Marvin Gaye's 'Mercy Mercy Me'.He was acknowledged by the music industry several times,winning Grammies for 'Addicted To Love' and 'Simply Irresistible'. He was alsovoted best-dressed rock star byRolling Stonemagazine in 1990.At the time of his death, he was promoting hisDrivealbum, which many described as the finest of his career. He died of a heartattack in Switzerland, his home of 15 years.
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