simply irresistable . . .

[vicman]

British Singer Robert Palmer Dies in Paris

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PARIS (Reuters) - British rock singer Robert Palmer, whose smart suits and laconic style set the tone for much of the 1980s pop scene, died in Paris of a heart attack early Friday, his record company said. He was 54.

Palmer was best known for his 1985 hit "Addicted to Love" and its accompanying video, which featured leggy models in short black dresses with slicked-back hair and electric guitars.

"Robert Palmer, singer and songwriter, died suddenly of a heart attack in Paris last night," a spokeswoman for Universal Music said in a statement issued in London.

"Everyone at Universal Music is deeply shocked and saddened at the terrible news. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at the difficult time."

The Yorkshire-born singer, who lived in Switzerland, was on a trip to Paris with his companion Mary Ambrose when he suffered the heart attack. He was taking a break after a recording session in London for Yorkshire Television earlier this week.

Palmer frequently peaked in the charts during the 1980s with catchy, foot-tapping songs like "Some Guys Have All The Luck," "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On" and "Simply Irresistible," often accompanied by testosterone-fueled videos.

Palmer's latest album "Drive" was described by critics as a melting pot of old R&B, Bahamian and Caribbean music, jump blues, Delta blues and raunch 'n' roll.

Palmer discussed those influences during an interview on Wednesday at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in Soho, London, for an hour-long TV program called "My Kinda People," a spokesman for Yorkshire television told Reuters.

"As far as I'm aware he seemed in perfect health," he said. "At the moment no decision has been made regarding the future of the program as everyone's thoughts are with Robert's family and friends at this difficult time."

Born Alan Palmer, the son of a naval officer, Palmer never saw TV or movies until the age of 12. With only music to keep him company, he became a fan of the rhythm and blues of Lena Horne and Nat King Cole at a young age.

Giving off a clean-living image with his love of three-piece suits, Palmer never embraced the excesses of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, and pursued a solo career after playing in locally renowned bands like Dada and Vinegar Joe in his 20s.

[kken]

guy had some style.

[rockyblue]