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What Is Robert Palmer’s Net Worth?
Robert Palmer, the iconic British singer, songwriter, and musician, accumulated a significant fortune throughout his career. At the time of his death on September 26, 2003, his net worth was estimated to be $10 million. This wealth was primarily derived from his successful music career, which spanned several decades and encompassed various musical styles, including soul, jazz, rock, pop, reggae, and blues.
Early Career and Musical Beginnings
Born on January 19, 1949, in Batley, England, Robert Palmer’s early exposure to diverse musical genres played a crucial role in shaping his unique sound. He spent a significant portion of his childhood in Malta, where his father served as a British naval intelligence officer. During this time, Palmer was heavily influenced by the jazz, soul, and blues music broadcast on American Forces Radio. At the age of 12, after returning to England, he began learning to play the guitar, marking the beginning of his musical journey.
Palmer’s first foray into the music industry came in 1969 when he joined a jazz-rock group called “Data.” The band’s talent was quickly recognized, and they soon signed with Island Records. Data released three albums under the label: Vinegar Joe (1972), Rock ‘n’ Roll Gypsies (1972), and Six Star General (1973). However, the band disbanded in March 1974, paving the way for Palmer to embark on a solo career. Later that year, Palmer secured a solo deal with Island Records, a significant step in his musical journey. He released his first solo album, “Sneakin’ Sally through the Alley,” in 1974. The album, recorded in New Orleans, showcased his eclectic style and garnered more attention in the United States than in the United Kingdom.
Solo Success and Mainstream Breakthrough
After moving to New York with his wife and children, Palmer released his second solo album, “Pressure Drop,” in 1975. This album further explored reggae influences and solidified his reputation as a versatile artist. While Palmer continued to release albums throughout the 1970s, it was his 1978 album, “Double Fun,” that marked his breakthrough into the mainstream. This album, inspired by Caribbean rhythms, reached the top 50 on the US Billboard charts, with the single “Every Kinda People” breaking into the top 20 singles chart.
Palmer’s career reached new heights with the release of his 1985 album, “Riptide.” The album’s lead single, “Addicted to Love,” became a massive international hit, propelled by its iconic music video featuring a group of identically dressed female models. The song’s success earned Palmer a Grammy Award, solidifying his status as a superstar. He would later win a second Grammy Award in 1988 for the single “Simply Irresistible” from his 1988 album “Heavy Nova”.
His 1979 album, “Secrets,” marked a departure from his earlier sound, with a greater emphasis on pure rock. This album produced another top 20 single, “Bad Case of Loving You.” Building on this momentum, Palmer released “Clues” in 1980, which gained popularity in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Its synth-wave sound attracted a younger audience. This success was followed by the EP “Some Guys Have All the Luck” in 1982.
In 1983, Palmer released the album “Pride.” That same year, he performed with Duran Duran at a charity concert, which led to friendships with some of the band’s members. When Duran Duran went on hiatus in 1985, guitarist Andy Taylor and bassist John Taylor joined Palmer to form the group Power Station, along with former Chic drummer Tony Thompson. Their self-titled album was successful in both the United States and the United Kingdom, featuring hits like “Some Like It Hot” and “Get It On (Bang a Gong).” Palmer only performed live with the band once on “Saturday Night Live,” while the band toured with singer Michael Des Barres as Palmer focused on his solo career.
Later Career and Continued Musical Exploration
In his later career, Palmer continued to explore diverse musical styles and experiment with new sounds. He moved to Lugano, Switzerland, where he established his own recording studio. This allowed him greater creative control over his music and facilitated his exploration of bossa nova rhythms, which was evident in his 1990 album, “Don’t Explain.” In 1994, he released the album “Honey,” followed by a greatest hits album in 1995.
Personal Life and Final Years
In 1969, Robert Palmer met his future wife, Sue, at the Slough railway station. He was immediately drawn to her unique style, as she was wearing a silver minidress with matching boots and reading a science fiction book. The couple married two years later and had two children. In the mid-1970s, the family moved to New York City and then to the Bahamas a few years later. They also spent time living in Lugano, Switzerland. In 1993, Robert and Sue divorced. He did not remarry but had a long-term relationship with Mary Ambrose.
Robert Palmer tragically passed away on September 26, 2003, in a hotel in Paris due to a heart attack. He was 54 years old. Despite his rock star status, Palmer was not known for living a typical rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. His only real vice was smoking cigarettes. Following his death, numerous artists, including Duran Duran, paid tribute to his significant impact on the British music industry. Robert Palmer’s musical legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike.
