Chris Palmer

Robert Franklin Palmer Jr. (1945-1997) was a prominent American writer, musicologist, and instrumentalist whose career spanned journalism, music production, and performance. He gained significant recognition for his insightful non-fiction writing on music, particularly his work as a journalist for The New York Times and Rolling Stone. Palmer also made notable contributions as a producer for blues recordings, including the soundtrack for the film "Deep Blues," and was recognized for his clarinet playing with the psychedelic rock band The Insect Trust.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Palmer was also involved in civil rights activism during his youth. His professional life saw him transition from a contributing editor at Rolling Stone to becoming the first full-time rock writer for The New York Times, where he served as the chief pop music critic for over a decade. Beyond journalism, he taught ethnomusicology and American music at various colleges and produced albums for prominent blues artists. Palmer's influence extended to film, where he worked as a screenwriter, narrator, and music director for documentaries such as "The World According to John Coltrane" and "Deep Blues."

Robert Palmer established himself as a significant voice in music journalism, notably as the first full-time rock writer for The New York Times. During his tenure from 1976 to 1988, he served as the newspaper's chief pop music critic, shaping public discourse on popular music. His earlier work as a contributing editor for Rolling Stone and as a journalist for film magazines further demonstrated his broad engagement with cultural commentary. Palmer's writing was characterized by its depth and insight, exploring the historical and cultural contexts of various musical genres. His critical analysis and reporting provided a foundational understanding of rock and roll and blues for a wide audience.

Palmer's dedication to blues music extended beyond writing into production and academic study. In the early 1990s, he began producing albums for artists on Fat Possum Records, including R. L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough, playing a crucial role in bringing their music to a wider audience. His academic pursuits included teaching courses on ethnomusicology and American music at institutions like the University of Mississippi, reflecting his deep interest in the study of music in its cultural and social contexts. This academic foundation informed his journalistic work, particularly his seminal book "Deep Blues," a historical study of the genre.

Beyond his writing and production, Robert Palmer was also a practicing musician. He played the clarinet and saxophone, notably as a member of the 1960s jazz-based rock band The Insect Trust. He continued to perform with local bands throughout his life. Palmer's multifaceted talents also led him into filmmaking, where he served as screenwriter, narrator, and music director for documentaries. He co-directed "The World According to John Coltrane" and was instrumental in the "Deep Blues" documentary, which was based on his book. His involvement in the 1995 WGBH/BBC co-production "Rock & Roll" further showcased his broad impact on documenting and interpreting music history.