Believe it or not, Hal Blaine was not the only session drummer back in the 1950s and 60s. There were several other prominent names from the era and today, let’s turn our attention to another one.
Back in the 1950s, you went to New Orleans if you wanted to hear hot drumming. Like the gunslingers of the Old West, the Gulfport drummers were legendary. And one of the best was Earl Palmer. For his drumming on such classic hits as Fats Domino’s My Blue Heaven, Lloyd Price’s Lawdy Miss Clawdy, and Little Richard’s Long Tall Sally, Earl Palmer is renowned in the history of New Orleans rock & roll.
As Hal Blaine related to the 1960s West Coast style, so Earl Palmer did to the development and success of the 1950s New Orleans sound. The musicians on these New Orleans classics – Earl, Salvador Doucette on piano, Lee Allen and “Red” Tyler on saxes, Frank Fields on bass, Ernest McLean and Justin Adams on guitars and Dave Bartholomew on trumpet – were among the first generation of rock & rollers.
In 1957, Earl left New Orleans and moved to Los Angeles. He quickly established himself in Hollywood, where he later played on records by Eddie Cochran, Ritchie Valens, Ricky Nelson, Sonny & Cher, Sam Cooke, the Beach Boys, the Monkees, the Righteous Brothers, and many, many more.
Blaine and Palmer were both inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, in the category of Musical Excellence (formerly the Sidemen category).
What we have here today is just a very small fraction of the music Earl played on, and just as I have done with Hal Blaine, I could create several more medleys of Earl Palmer songs.
Memories … That’s What We’re All About
Play buttons are on the left … Volume sliders are on the right
The Earl Palmer medley
Bobby Day – Eddie Cochran
Lloyd Price – Ritchie Valens
Mel Carter – Ricky Nelson
Little Richard – Fats Domino
Sam Cooke – Sonny & Cher
Monkees – Beach Boys
Righteous Brothers
Really enjoyed the Earl Palmer medley today.
Thank you, Tim. I think I may have to do a Part 2 next week!
This has been the greatest tribute to Earl Palmer. I can tell you that quite honestly when you’re listening for a certain part of a band you listen to the song differently. I have always loved drums. I always thought that they did some thing to you that was spiritual. Bringing all of this to the forefront for those of us that don’t have the musical knowledge that you do was surely a treat. Thank you so much for this I loved every single song and listening from the aspect of the drummers part.. once again showing that you are the best! 🥰
Thank you, Sandy! I am so glad you enjoyed the work of Mr. Palmer! 🥰
Good Morning Ray, It’s another beautiful day. Ted & I changed our plans today so we did listen to your tribute & music of Earl Palmer earlier instead of later. Music isn’t just about the lead singer/headliner. It includes all who contribute & I like that you included names of the musicians who played on the New Orleans Sound. Enjoy your day 🙂
PS I am guilty of mentioning you on a post made by a classman of ours but it was truthful.
Thank you, Lee & Ted. I’m very glad you enjoyed Earl’s contribution to the soundtrack of our lives! I did see the post you referred to and while I appreciate your kind words, those teachers were miles ahead of me. I do however, sincerely thank you. 🥰🥰
You thrilled me with this medley
So many great songs and genres, now listened to from the drummers pov
You gave us the best and freed our souls
Really didn’t know the Ricky Nelson, Sonny and Cher and Monkees selections
As always thanks for broadening our musical knowledge and enjoyment