Remembering Robert Palmer: Life, Death & Legacy

Sidney Abbott 10 May 2025

Can a voice truly be silenced? Robert Palmer's may have been stilled, but his music, his style, his impact continues to resonate, two decades after his untimely death. The loss of such a vibrant and influential artist sent shockwaves through the music world, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate.

The news of Robert Palmer's passing on September 26, 2003, at the age of 54, reverberated globally. The British singer, celebrated for his distinctive voice and sophisticated style, died of a heart attack in a Paris hotel room. He had been in the city following a television appearance in London for "My Kinda People," a Yorkshire TV retrospective. The suddenness of his death, just two days after an interview, amplified the sense of loss, reminding everyone of the fragility of life, even for those who seemed larger than life.

Robert Palmer - Biographical and Career Information
Full Name	Robert Allen Palmer
Date of Birth	January 19, 1949
Place of Birth	Batley, England
Date of Death	September 26, 2003
Place of Death	Paris, France
Age at Death	54
Cause of Death	Heart Attack
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Musician
Genres	Rock, Pop, Soul, Funk, Jazz, Reggae, Blues
Years Active	1970-2003
Associated Acts	The Power Station
Notable Hits	"Addicted to Love," "Some Guys Have All the Luck," "Didn't Mean to Turn You On"
Early Life and Influences	Born to a naval officer, spent childhood in Malta, influenced by Lena Horne and Nat King Cole.
Smoking Habits	Extremely heavy smoker from teenage years.
Publicist Quote	Suzanne Parkes: "He was something really rare in the music industry. His offstage persona was even nicer than that onstage, he was an absolute gent. I'm really sad, but I remember the times with Robert as just so much fun."
External Resources
Robert Palmer at AllMusic