Earl Palmer Sr., is a Notable burial at https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/riverside.asp.  Born in New Orleans' Treme district to a club singer, Earl C. Palmer Sr. began drumming at an early age. After serving as an army technician in World War II, Palmer returned to New Orleans where he became a sought-after jazz drummer. Palmer moved to Los Angeles in 1957 and became a session drummer for major artists including the Beach Boys, Elvis Costello, Fats Domino, Bonnie Raitt, the Righteous Brothers ("You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling"), and Tina Turner ("River Deep, Mountain High"). Little Richard called him, "probably the greatest session drummer of all time." Palmer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He died September 19, 2008.
*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 

Riverside National Cemetery





















Rock and Rool Hall of Fame pdf

I salute you Earl. I never met you but thank you for your Patriotic service to this Country. It's because of great men like you that we are free.

Thank you for your service and for sharing your musical genius, Earl. Rest in Peace. 

An inspiration for all drummers as a player, but also for Americans for his service to our country.

Earl Palmer was a phenomenal drummer who is the father of rock n roll drumming. As a drummer and a fan of his work, thank you Mr. Palmer for your years of drumming. Every month, I watch the Wrecking Crew documentary and posthumously I learn so much from what you say in that documentary. Of course, thank tou for your military service. I know I’m one of many but I’m very thankful that you survived WW2 and changed the world through music. 

One of my all time favourite drummers!
He played on so many great hits.
Rest in Peace 

Thank you Mr. Palmer for the great sacrifice servicing to protect and defend our freedom. You are not only a war hero but a musical hero playing drums as a session drummer on so many of the great 60's hits I grew up listening to and still listen to. Thank you sir and I pray to the Lord to bless your soul.

The drumming world owes you a vast amount of respect.  Rest in power, Mr. Palmer. 

Thank you for your service and thank you for your backbeat.  Your mark on music will live on forever!

I didn't know you personally Earl, but I feel like I do through all of your drumming. I wish that meeting you would have happened as I have seen your interview on the Wrecking Crew Movie. Your legacy continues to live on my friend. 

We all appreciate your service to this great country of ours. Much respect for what you did sir.

Don P

Earl was a true hero-protected our country and he was a hero to the musical community. No one played the drums like Earl. He will always be admired and missed.

Thanks for your service and music Earl Palmer- much respect. 

Thank you for everything you've given us.

It was an honor meeting you at the NOLA Jazzfest in 2004. Listening to your stories of your trials and successes at the Alison Minor stage were a highlight of that weekend. 


A great man who server our Country and made my heart sail with all his wonderful music

Thank you Earl for your service. I couldn’t do what you did. Also, thanks for all the great music. You were the King of Cool! RIP 

Earl, you literally taught us drummers how to play Rock & Roll, and now that we know your full legacy, so much more than that! You were a hero of mine, and now that we know you were a WW2 Vet, doubly so! Rest In Peace, Earl…your drumming will live forever!

Thank you for your service to our Country, and Thank you for all the WONDERFUL MUSIC!!  Rest easy Sir.

Thank you Earl both for your service to the country and the incredible influence you had on me and many other drummers with your talent behind a drum set.

Thank you Earl for your service to your country and for the musical legacy you have left for the world. I was privileged to have met you.


As a drummer growing up in the 60’s, you were a big influence on me even before I knew your name. I wish I could shake your hand and say “thank you” for  the music and your heroic service to our Country. Since that’s not possible, I’m grateful to leave this humble tribute  and just say, we miss ya’ , man.

“Scooter” McCall
Bossier City, Louisiana  

From Vet to Vet,  thank you for you and your family’s sacrifice during a time of immense time of world wide conflict. I salute you! 

Earl,
Thank you for all your music, but most importantly, thank you for your service!

Earl,
Thank you for answering the call to defend Freedom. Thank you, also, for the thousands of songs you left for us. Your talent and generosity touched many lives then, now and forever.
DJKen

Thank you for your service and for the great music you created afterwards. 

EARL C PALMER SR

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