LONDON, Sept. 26 — Rock singer Robert Palmer, whose hits included “Addicted to Love,” died Friday in Paris of a heart attack, his manager said. He was 54.
THE SON of a British naval officer, Palmer was a member of several British rock bands before he hit the big time as a solo artist. In the 1980s he became a superstar with singles which also included “Simply Irresistible” — accompanied by slick videos featuring the sharply dressed Palmer and a bevy of attractive women.
A side project, Power Station, formed in 1985 with John Taylor and Andy Taylor of ’80s supergroup Duran Duran, scored three U.S. Top 10 hits, including “Communication” and “Get it On.” He had lived in Switzerland for the past 16 years.
Known for his sharp suits and GQ sense of style, Palmer was named best dressed male artist by Rolling Stone in 1990.
The “Addicted to Love” video, with its miniskirted models strumming guitars as Palmer sang, became one of MTV’s most-played clips, and sparked protests from some feminists.
“I’m not going to attach inappropriate significance to it because at the time it meant nothing. It’s just happened to become an iconic look,” Palmer once said of the video.
Plimpton?
Posted by: Jason | September 26, 2003 at 17:04
I will miss RP. A radio consultant told me I was a total loon for playing The Power Station. At the time I took it as a compliment.
Posted by: pops | September 26, 2003 at 19:59
Heard about Plimpton, but he wasn't someone I read or followed really. Just knew the name.
I worked in radio when Power Station was around too, remembered them being different enough to stand out for awhile - a couple songs still hold up - Palmers videos ended up being quirky and memorable.
Posted by: Jim | September 26, 2003 at 22:01
Almost forgot - these were today too...
Stanley Fafara - 'Whitey' - from Leave it to Beaver.
Herb Gardner, the Brooklyn-born author of "I'm Not Rappaport".
And several tens of thousands I've never heard of - I'm sure.
Posted by: Jim | September 26, 2003 at 22:19